Ship History
Built by Fujinagata Shipyards in Osaka. Laid down March 7, 1930. Launched February 25, 1932. Comissioned November 15, 1932.

On June 29, 1934 while on maneuvers Inazuma accidentally collided with the Miyuki off of Cheju Island. The collision sank Miyuki and severed the bow of Inazuma. Afterwards, towed to Sasebo Naval Arsenal by Nachi and underwent extensive repairs. After repairs were completed, she was assigned to Destroyer Division 6 along with Ikazuchi, Hibiki, and Akatsuki, under the 1st Fleet.

Wartime History
On November 29, 1941 departed Terashima Strait to Mako (Pescadores). On December 4, 1941 departed Mako as part of the Japanese invasion force bound for Hong Kong. On December 8, 1941 during the invasion of Hong Kong, assisted Isuzu sinking gunboats HMS Cicada and HMS Robin then captured ships in the harbor.

On December 24, 1941 departed Hong Kong then escorts Ashigara from Formosa to Davao and remains in the area to cover the Japanese invasion of Menado until January 14, 1942.

On January 20, 1942 while at Davao, Inazuma suffered a collision with Sendai Maru undergoing emergency repairs. Between January 29-February 17, 1942 under repairs at Mako.

On February 21-26, 1942 escorted Myoko from Formosa to Makassar.

Battle of the Java Sea
Inazuma participated in the Battle of the Java Sea. On March 1, 1942 assisted in the sinking of HMS Exeter, HMS Encounter (claiming two torpedo hits) and USS Pope (DD-225). Afterwards, Inazuma rescued 376 survivors from the battle. On March 3, 1942 rescued 151 survivors from USS Pope (DD-225).

On March 12, 1942 arrived at Subic Bay and participated in operations in the Philippines. During March 19-26, 1942 escorted a convoy from Subic Bay to Kure. Afterwards, docked at Yokosuka for maintenance.

PARTIAL HISTORY

On May 11, 1944 departed Manila Bay escorting a tanker convoy bound for Balikpapan including Nichiei Maru, Tatekawa Maru, Azusa Maru.

Sinking History
On May 14, 1944 hit by torpedoes fired by USS Bonefish SS-223 that caused the destroyer to explode and sink in the Celebes Sea near Tawi Tawi (Tawitawi) at roughly Lat 5°8′N Long 119°38′E. A total of 161 of the crew died in the sinking including Commander Tomura Kiyoshi and Commander Tokiwa. On June 10, 1944 officially removed from the Navy list.

Rescue
Afterwards, Hibiki rescued 125 survivors from the destroyer.

References
Combined Fleet - IJN Inazuma: Tabular Record of Movement

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Last Updated
August 10, 2019