Zuikaku

Shōkaku-Class Aircraft Carriers (翔鶴型) were built for the Imperial Japanese Navy during the years of 1938 to 1941. There were 2 of this class built, which were enlarged and improved Hiryū designs.

Shōkaku-Class Aircraft Carriers served between the years of 1941 to 1944.

Preceded by:  Hiryū

Succeeded by: Taihō

Shōkaku-Class Aircraft Carriers Zuikaku & Shōkaku were arguably the best aircraft carriers in the world when built. With the exception of the Battle of Midway, they participated in every major naval action of the Pacific War, including the attack on Pearl Harbor (Although their inexperienced air groups were tasked with only airfield attacks during the attack), the Indian Ocean Raid, the Battle of the Coral Sea, and the Guadalcanal Campaign. They were also responsible for the sinking of two of the four fleet carriers lost by the United States Navy during the war as well as one elderly British light carrier. Shōkaku was lost along with Taiho early in the Battle of the Philippine Sea to submarine USS Cavalla on 18 June, 1944.  Zuikaku was lost at the Battle of Leyte Gulf on the 25 October, 1944 where she was hit by a total of 7 torpedoes and 7 bombs in 2 waves of attacks.