JDS_Akebono_(DE-201)

JDS <i>Akebono</i> (DE-201)

JDS Akebono (DE-201)

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For other ships with the same name, see Japanese destroyer Akebono.

JDS Akebono (DE-201) was a destroyer escort (or frigate) of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force. Akebono was one of the first indigenous Japanese warships to be built following World War II. Akebono was laid down in 1954 as a steam turbine powered "B type" ASW escort, the only ship of its class, for comparison with two similar diesel powered ships, the Ikazuchi-class destroyer escorts. Akebono entered service in 1956 and remained in use until 1976.

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Design and construction

The Japanese Marine Safety Force (later to become the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force) authorised the purchase of three "B type" escort vessels as part of the Financial Year 1953 programme.[nb 1] Of the three ships, two of which were to be powered by diesel engines (the Ikazuchi class) and the third by steam turbines, to be called Akebono.[1]

The equipment of the three escorts was similar, with two American 3-inch (76 mm) guns, four 40 mm Bofors guns, a Hedgehog anti-submarine projector and eight K-gun depth charge launchers. Akebono had a twin-shaft machinery installation, with geared steam turbines producing 18,000 shaft horsepower (13,000 kW) which could propel the ship at a top speed of 28 knots (52 km/h; 32 mph) compared with the 25 knots (46 km/h; 29 mph) of the less powerful Ikazuchi class.[1]

Akebono was laid down at the Ishikawajima Tokyo shipyard on 10 December 1954. She was launched on 15 October 1955 and completed on 20 March 1956.[3]

Operations

Akebono was re-armed in March 1958, when her original 3-inch guns were replaced by more modern, autoloading 3 inch guns, with 1 Bofors gun, four K-guns also removed.[1] Akebono was discarded in 1976.[1]

Notes

  1. [N 1]
    Two "A type" destroyers were also ordered as part of the FY 1953 programme.[2]

Citations

  1. [1]
    Gardiner and Chesneau 1995, p. 231.
  2. [2]
    Gardiner and Chesneau 1995, p. 223.
  3. [3]
    Blackman 1960, p. 212.

References

  • Blackman, Raymond V. B. Jane's Fighting Ships 1960–61. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Co., 1960.
  • Gardiner, Robert and Stephen Chumbley. Conway's All The World's Fighting Ships 1947–1995. Annapolis, Maryland, USA: Naval Institute Press, 1995. ISBN 1-55750-132-7.
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