I.J.N. Kongo
1939
(Neptun 1206)
- Class: Kongo - 4 battleships of 1912-13
- Displacement: 32,050 tons standard / 36,600 tons full load
- Dimensions: 738'7" (oa) x 95'3" x 32'
- Machinery: 4-shaft geared turbines, S.H.P. 136,000 = 30.5 knots
- Armor: Main belt 3 in. (bow), 8 in. (amid), 3 in. (aft), deck 2.75 in., turrets 9 in., C.T. 10 in.
- Armament: 8-14in (4x2), 14-6in (14x1), 8-5in DP (4x2), 12-25mm AA (6x2) guns; 3 aircraft
- Complement: 1,437
- Builder: Vickers Armstrong, Barrow
- Laid down: 17 Jan 1911
- Launched: 15 May 1912
- Completed: 16 Aug 1913
- Notes: Kongo was lead ship of a battlecruiser class designed by Sir George Thurston as an improved Lion and built in Britain while sisters were built in Japan. Rebuilt as fast battleships in 1930s, with an increase of 25' in length, increased protection, oil firing instead of coal, initial AA armament, and scouting aircraft, on an increase of 6,000 tons in displacement. Kongo provided distant cover for initial Malaya and South Seas operations, then participated in the Indian Ocean raid of Apr 1942. Part of Midway operation and fought in Guadalcanal actions, including 13/14 Oct bombardment of Henderson field. Component of Mobile Force Vanguard during Battle of the Philippine Sea, and of Center Force during Battle of Leyte Gulf, when she dueled with American escort carriers and escorts off Samar. Torpedoed and sunk 21 Nov 1944 by US submarine Sealion II 65 nm NW of Keeling
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