IJN Akagi or 空母赤城 was an Aircraft Carrier of the Imperial Japanese Navy.
History
Originally designed as a Battlecruiser, Akagi was converted midway through construction into a Carrier due to the Washington Naval Treaty. During her early service, Akagi had a tri-deck design that was also used on IJN Kaga. This was however removed for a more conventional deck design during the mid 1930s.
Reentering service in 1939, Akagi saw action during the Sino-Japanese War. In November 1941, Akagi joined the rest of the Kido Butai in Hitokappu Bay. Leaving 26 November 1941, Akagi took part in Hawaii Operation or the Attack on Pearl Harbor. In January 1942, Akagi took part in the invasion of Rabaul before launching strikes in the Attack on Darwin in Australia on 19 February 1942.
On 5 April 1942, aircraft from Akagi attacked the Royal Navy carrier HMS Hermes and her escort fleet in the Indian Ocean raid. While near Formosa on 19 April 1942, the Akagi was sent to chase the USS Enterprise CV-6 and USS Hornet CV-8 due to the Doolittle Raid but didn't find the US carriers.
Leaving Japan on 25 May 1942, Akagi and the rest of the First and Second Carrier Divisions headed to Midway Island to carry out Operation MI. The resulting engagement lead to the Battle of Midway.
On 4 June 1942, Akagi's aircraft took part in strikes on the US held island. At 10:20AM, aircraft from VB-6 and VS-6 (based on the USS Enterprise) found the Japanese Carrier force and at 10:26AM, Akagi was hit by one 1000lb (450kg) bomb. Due to the bomb hit being located near fuelled aircraft in the hangar, Akagi was engulfed in flames. At 1:50PM, Akagi stopped and was scuttled at 5:20AM on 5 June. Being the flagship of the Kido Butai, the loss of Akagi was especially profound.
Air Group - June 1942
- Type 0 Fighter Model 21 (A6M2 Zero)
- Type 99 Dive Bomber (D3A1 Val)
- Type 97 Attack Bomber (B5N2 Kate)
