The Last Battleship-Sunk Aircraft Carriers: A Historical Review

In the tumultuous history of naval warfare, the sinking of aircraft carriers is a subject that often garners significant attention. This article delves into the notable instances of aircraft carriers being sunk in battle, focusing on the USS Bismarck Sea and Amagi.

The USS Bismarck Sea: A Kamikaze Downfall

The USS Bismarck Sea (CVE-95), an escort carrier, tragically became the last air carrier to be sunk at sea in battle during World War II. On February 21, 1945, she fell victim to kamikaze attacks while supporting the invasion of Iwo Jima.

The battle for Iwo Jima was a crucial phase in the Pacific campaign. The USS Bismarck Sea arrived off the coast of Iwo Jima on February 16 to provide essential support to the invasion forces. Kamikaze pilots launched a severe attack on February 21, striking the ship on its starboard side and setting off a catastrophic chain of events.

Impact of the Kamikaze Attacks

The first kamikaze plane crashed through the hangar deck and struck the ship's magazines, causing uncontrollable fires and explosions. Efforts to control the fire were nearly successful until the second kamikaze plane struck the aft elevator shaft, destroying the fire-fighting saltwater distribution system. This devastating blow crippled the ability to conduct further damage control, resulting in the loss of 318 sailors.

Evacuation and Loss of the USS Bismarck Sea

Amid the chaos, the USS Bismarck Sea was abandoned. In less than 90 minutes, the ship sank beneath the waves. However, the stark resilience of the human spirit was evident as three destroyers and three destroyer escorts managed to rescue a total of 605 officers and crew members from a crew of 923. These survivors were later transferred to the ships Dickens and Highlands.

The Japanese Carrier Amagi: A Deadly Moment in Kure Harbor

In a tragic event that occurred just a few months before the end of World War II, the Amagi, a Japanese fleet carrier, met a similar fate in Kure Harbor. The Amagi, with its capacity of over 20,000 tonnes and a formidable air wing of 66 aircraft, succumbed to U.S. carrier airstrikes in July 1945.

The Sinking Process of the Amagi

Located in the Kure Naval Base, the Amagi was hit during a series of U.S. carrier airstrikes that lasted four days in late July. On 27th July 1945, Amagi capsized and slowly sank in the shallow waters of Kure Harbor. Notably, the loss of crew was surprisingly low, as the process of capsizing and subsequent sinking took several days.

Involvement in the Operation

These attacks were part of a broader strategic operation, encompassing an assault on targets within the Seto Inland Sea, a joint operation with the British Pacific Fleet. This operation saw the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) lose three battleships and seven cruisers, along with the carrier Amagi.

Salvage and Scrapping

While the Amagi initially capsized, it eventually sank in shallow waters which made it possible to partially refloat and salvage the vessel. This salvage effort underscores the strategic and logistical challenges faced by both Allied and Axis forces during the war.

Conclusion: A Moment in Naval History

The sinking of the USS Bismarck Sea and the Amagi marks a significant milestone in the history of naval warfare, particularly in the context of aircraft carrier operations. These events not only illustrate the devastating impact of kamikaze attacks but also highlight the resilience of human spirit and the complexities of naval combat.

For those interested in deepening their understanding of naval history, further reading on these battles and the broader context of the Pacific campaign would be invaluable.