Shipbucket

The IJN Gembu emerged as a captivating iteration in the preliminary design phase for the renowned aircraft carrier Soryu. Notably, it boasted a distinctive feature—a spacious sponson at the stern—crafted to optimize the flight deck's expanse. Intriguingly, its main armament defied convention, showcasing an unconventional array of 6.1-inch guns strategically positioned on the forecastle, just beneath the expansive flight deck.

In the annals of naval history, her tale unfurls with remarkable precision and innovation. Conceived and crafted between the years 1933 and 1936, she graced the seas with her presence upon commissioning in 1937. Her formidable arsenal boasted 12 × twin 12.7 cm (5 in) dual-purpose guns, complemented by a formidable array of 25 × twin 25 mm (1 in) AA guns. Yet, her true prowess lay in the skies, as she carried forth a formidable air wing comprising 40 (+9 reserve) aircraft. Among her esteemed aerial complement were the legendary Mitsubishi A6M "Zero" Fighter, the devastating Aichi D3A "Vai" Dive Bomber, and the lethal Nakajima B5N "Kate" Torpedo Bomber. she embarked upon her fateful journey, destined to etch her name in the annals of history with unparalleled courage and distinction.




In the wake of the pivotal Battle of Midway, the IJN Aircraft Carrier Genbu emerged battered yet defiant, having weathered the storm of relentless assault from the air group of the USS Yorktown. A twist of fate spared her from destruction when a failed torpedo failed to detonate, rendering her one of the fortunate few among the embattled carrier fleet. Recalling her from the brink, the Imperial Japanese Navy deemed her worthy of revival, initiating extensive refits to bolster her defenses. Additional 25mm anti-aircraft guns were installed, and her flight deck underwent expansion to enhance carrier operations. Though her Triple 6.1-inch guns remained intact, their usage dwindled, casting doubt upon her design's effectiveness.

Reassigned to the esteemed 3rd Fleet (第三艦隊, Dai-san Kantai), Genbu found herself thrust into the throes of conflict across the South Asia theater, engaging in fierce battles against British forces in 1944. Amidst the tumult of war, she stood resolute alongside her compatriots in the decisive Battle of the Philippine Sea, weathering the relentless onslaught of the USN carrier force. Though she bore the scars of battle, Genbu persevered, ensuring her survival to fight another day. Eventually, she retraced her course to the shores of Tokyo, marking the end of her tumultuous journey through the annals of naval warfare.



Docked in Tokyo Bay, the IJN Gembu fell victim to a devastating blow when a 500-pound bomb struck her bow, causing extensive damage to the upper deck of her extended flight deck. With her combat capabilities compromised, she was relegated to the role of a guard ship, tasked with defending Tokyo in the event of Operation Downfall. However, fate had other plans in store. Despite lingering intentions, the envisioned operations never materialized.

In a twist of fate borne of fictional lore, Japan's government persisted through the war's end, adopting a more aligned stance with the United States in the aftermath of the Korean War. Although initial plans called for the scrapping of the reserved IJN Gembu, circumstances shifted with the delay in carrier procurement and the prolonged repairs of the Unryu-Class carriers. Thus, in 1955, the IJN Gembu was recommissioned into the Japanese Navy, reimagined as a converted anti-submarine helicopter carrier.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, she dutifully served, becoming the sole carrier to participate in the Vietnam War, providing crucial support to both UN Japanese forces and US Marines. In a poignant moment during the Fall of Saigon, she ferried numerous US Marines back to Okinawa, emblematic of her enduring service and camaraderie.

By 1970, the aging vessel had become prohibitively costly to maintain. As newer, more advanced carrier designs emerged, the decision was made to decommission the venerable Gembu in the following year. Her legacy, however, endures in the form of her bell and smokestack, enshrined within the Yamato Museum.

The IJN Aircraft Carrier Genbu stands as a testament to resilience and longevity, holding the distinction of being the longest-serving Japanese aircraft carrier, despite her journey's unique twists and turns.

Very nice work!

_________________

MS State Guard - 08 March 2014 - 28 January 2023

The Official IJN Ships & Planes List

#FJB