Ship History
Hiyō (Japanese: 飛鷹 "Flying Hawk"). Laid down November 20, 1939 as the fast luxury passenger liner Idzumo Maru by Nippon Yusen Kaisha (Japan Mail Steamship company) but was purchased along with her sistership by the Japanese Navy in 1940 and converted to an aircraft carrier. Her sister ship became the aircraft carrier Junyō. Her bridge was built on the starboard side, and its funnel was slightly tilted to the outside in order to increase visibility on the flight deck. Launched June 24, 1941. Commissioned July 31, 1942 at Kure and assigned to Carrier Division 2, Third Fleet.

Wartime History
On October 4, 1942 departs Saeki for Truk, arriving on the 9th and assigned to main unit Advance Force. On October 11 departs Truk for the Solomons.

Abort from Battle of Santa Cruz
On October 17, while operating off Guadalcanal prior to the Battle of Santa Cruz, a fire breaks out in the generator room. Considerable damage to the condensor is caused and the carrier is slowed to 16 knots and the carrier is forced back to Truk for repairs, returning on October 26.

While under repair, suffers minor bomb damage on November 13 and 27 from an air raids. When the repairs are completed, Captain Beppu takes command and the carrier is assigned to Mobile Force and departs Truk on December 5, arriving via Saeki at Kure on December 11.

On January 15, 1943 the carrier patrols the Inland Sea, and travels from Tokuyama frequently. On February 26 dry docked at Kure, and departs on March 4 and resumes patrolling. On March 22 departs Saeki and is reassigned to the Main Unit Mobile Force, arriving at Truk on March 27.

Operation I-GO
The carrier remains at Truk, but her A6M2 Zero fighters participate in Operation I-GO, based at Ballale on April 7 and then Rabaul. While the Hiyō itself remains at Truk, it sufferers minor damage from an air raid on April 12.

PARTIAL HISTORY

Arrives at Tawi Tawi on May 16, 1944.

Sinking History
During June 19-20, participates in the Battle of the Marianas. On June 20, 1944 while serving with Junyō, Ryuho, Nagato and Mogami and destroyers, the carrier is attacked by aircraft from USS Enterprise, exploding a bomb above the top of the bridge. Another bomb exploded on the flight deck. Later, six TBFs attack, one of their torpedos striking the carrier, flooding the starboard engine room and loosing speed. Fires were under control and list corrected.

Two hours after the attack, there was a tremendous explosion. Japanese sources credited this to a submarine, but was actually caused by a gas vapor explosion, cutting power and setting fires. Escorting destroyer Uranami could not assist due to the fires. The carrier began to sink, stern first, sinking at 19:32, including the loss of 247 crew members. Captain Yokoi and 1,000 crew are rescued by escorting destroyers.

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009

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