Ship History
Built at Sasebo Naval Arsenal, laid down on August 21, 1925. Launched July 12, 1926. Comissioned on May 5, 1927. Renamed Mikauki (三日月 ”Crescent Moon") on August 1, 1928.

In the late 1930s, Mikazuki participated in actions in the Second Sino-Japanese War, covering the landings of Japanese troops in central and southern China.

Wartime History
At the start of the war, Mikazuki was part of Carrier Division 3 under the IJN 1st Fleet, and based in Japanese home waters as an escort for Hōshō and Zuihō. During the Battle of Midway on June 4-5,1942, Mikazuki was part of the escort for Zuihō and was not involved in combat during that battle.

Afterwards, Mikazuki was reassigned to the Southwest Area Fleet. From July 1942 to March 1943, Mikazuki escorted convoys between Moji, Kyūshū and Taiwan. From the end of March 26 until June 10, 1943, Mikazuki underwent refit at the Sasebo Naval Arsenal. Afterwards was reassigned to Destroyer Division 30 of Desron 3, in the IJN 8th Fleet and departed for Rabaul.

On June 28, participated in a transport run to Kolombangara, but aborted due to American air attacks. On July 2, attempted to bombard Rendova. Participated in the Battle of Kula Gulf on July 5-6, during which she landed Naval Landing Forces, but saw no action. On July 9, successfully delivered troops to Kolombangara.

On the night of July 12-13, 1943 during the Battle of Kolombangara, this destroyer covered transports. Attempt to assist sinking Jintsu, but was driven away by American forces. Afterwards, on July 17, 1943 suffered minor damage due to an American air raid on the Shortlands.

Sinking History
Delivered troops to Cape Gloucester July 27, 1943, and ran aground on a coral reef. The next day, the destroyer was caught by 5th Air Force B-25 Mitchells and sunk on July 28, 1943. In the attack, eight of the destroyer's crew were killed.

Shipwreck
Rod Pearce dove the wreck:
"The wreck is still there but badly broken up."

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009