IJN
AM Class Submarine
(A Modified)
1945
Range
21,000 nautical miles
Crew
Captain Ariizumi Tatsunosuke
14 officers
Ship History
Construction was completed on March 14, 1945 at Kawasaki, Kobe. The AM (A Modified) type submarine was a large seaplane-carrying submarine of the Imperial Japanese Navy, with a hangar space for 2 Serian Aichi M6A1.
Wartime History
It was planned to use the I-400, I-401, I-13 and I-14 to participate in a daring plan to attack the Panama Canal and disable its locks. In June 1945 the decision was made to switch targets to hit USN anchorage at Ulithi Atoll. The plan was code-named Hikari (Shining Light), the first phase of Operation Arashi. The plan was for I-13 and I-14 to proceed to Truk in early July. Then they are to launch Nakajima C6N2 Myrt long range reconnaissance aircraft to relay target information on American aircraft carriers and troop transports to the I-400 and I-401's six Seiran torpedo-bomber crews for a strike on 17 August.
On July 6th, I-14 was under repair in Ominato when attacked by American carrier planes. She submerges and remains under water until the end of the raid. The I-14 is loaded with two crated Myrts. On the 14th departs Ominato for Truk. Enroute, the I-14's sound operator picks up the screw noises of a lone merchant. Cdr Shimizu considers an attack, but abandons the idea so not to endanger his mission.
During the voyage, the I-14 is detected by enemy surface craft and tracked by several destroyers. She is forced to remain under water for 35 hours. The I-14's batteries are expended as is her compressed air, raises its snorkel and recharge the batteries without being seen. On August 4th sucessfully arrives at Truk and unloads the Myrts. On August 15, Japan surrenders and this sub is ordered to return to Japan via Hong Kong on the surface, leaving Truk on the 18th.
Surrender
Sited by TF 38 aircraft, I-14 surrenders to Destroyers USS Murry DD-576 and USS Dashiell DD-659 on August 27, 1945 227 miles NE of Tokyo. Sailed to Hawaii, and evaluated
by the US Navy.
Sinking History
Sunk off Barber's Point, Oahu in deep water on May 28, 1946. A torpedo fired from USS Bugara SS-331 tests a new torpedo Mark 10-3 exploder. Over the course of several days four captured subs were sunk: I-201, I-400, and I-401.
21 13 N
158 08 W
Tabular Movements
