HISTORY
Akagi, the queen of the Japanese carriers. She began life as a
fast battle cruiser in 1922. After the Washington Treaty, Akagi
was rebuilt as a huge aircraft carrier. Akagi sported a 2 level
hangar deck, and could accommodate nearly 100 aircraft.
She was extensively rebuilt in the 1930's with a full length
flight deck and her now famous strut supports on either end of
the flight deck; now a distinctly Japanese trait.
A marked ship after Pearl Harbor, Akagi participated in every
carrier battle before Midway. On June 5, 1942 Akagi was
destroyed when bombs stacked in the hangar decks exploded after
an American attack. She sank the following day after the
gasoline tanks exploded and sealed her fate. |