Battleship Musashi, sister ship of the 65,000-ton Yamato, was built at Nagasaki, Japan. Commissioned in August 1942, she was stationed at Truk from January 1943 as part of a heavy force covering the Central Pacific. She was torpedoed by USS Tunny on March 29, 1944, necessitating repairs during which her anti-aircraft firepower was enhanced.
Yamato Class Specifications
Design and Construction
Designed in 1937, laid down March 29, 1938 at Mitsubishi's Nagasaki shipyard. Throughout construction, large blinds and warehouses prevented outsiders from viewing — even the American Consulate across the bay was unaware. Her nine 18.1-inch guns were the largest naval artillery ever fitted to a warship, each 21.13 m long and capable of firing shells 42 km.
Service History
In February 1943, Musashi became flagship of the Combined Fleet under Admiral Yamamoto. After Yamamoto was killed in April 1943, his ashes were carried aboard Musashi. She participated in the Battle of the Philippine Sea in June 1944.
Battle of Leyte Gulf
On October 24, 1944, in the Battle of the Sibuyan Sea, Musashi was hit by approximately 19 torpedoes and 17 bombs from US Navy carrier aircraft. Though her heavy protection withstood this damage to an unsurpassed degree, Musashi capsized and sank about four hours after her last hit.