haruna

Haruna: The Versatile Fast Battleship of the Asiatic Fleet

As one of the most battle-tested and strategically useful ships during World War II the Haruna served as a fast battleship in the Imperial Japanese Navy's Kongō-class. The Haruna began its life as a battlecruiser in the early 1910s but underwent modernization to become a fast battleship and subsequently became essential to Japan’s Asiatic Fleet operations throughout the Pacific war.

The powerful armament and swift speed of Haruna combined with its adaptability made it essential for amphibious attacks and fleet battles while serving in carrier task force operations. The dual functionality of Haruna as a fleet escort alongside its capability to operate as an independent striking force distinguished it from other battleships of Japan. This article examines Haruna's unique qualities alongside its function in the Asiatic Fleet and its contributions to Japan's naval tactics during the war.

Background of the Kongō-Class Fast Battleships

The design of the Kongō-class fast battleships began in 1911 to enable Japan to build a navy strong enough to match Western powers. Originally designed as a battlecruiser Haruna together with its sister ships Kongō, Hiei, and Kirishima received extensive 1930s modernization that enhanced its defense systems as well as its offensive power.

The Japanese battleship Haruna entered service in 1915 with a full load displacement of 36,600 tons and dimensions of 222 meters in length (728 feet), 31 meters in beam (101 feet), and a draft of 9.7 meters (32 feet). Thanks to its four geared steam turbines and six oil-fired boilers generating 136,000 horsepower Haruna could reach 30 knots (56 km/h) becoming one of the war's fastest battleships.

Haruna featured eight 356mm (14-inch) guns mounted in four twin turrets that enabled the battleship to attack enemy vessels from extended ranges. Throughout World War II Haruna received upgrades to its secondary armament and anti-aircraft defenses that enhanced its capabilities in surface combat and aerial defense.

Role in the Asiatic Fleet

Early Operations and Southeast Asian Campaign (1941-1942)

During World War II's initial phase Haruna served in Japan’s Asiatic Fleet and was instrumental in Southeast Asia's early conquests. Haruna served the Southern Expeditionary Fleet by providing shore bombardment support while also defending against air attacks and supporting fleet operations during the Japanese invasions of Malaya, the Philippines and the Dutch East Indies.

Haruna and its fleet established Japanese control over Allied naval forces during the Battle of the South China Sea which allowed for swift amphibious operations. The battleship conducted long-range artillery bombardments and fulfilled escort duties which allowed Japanese forces to capture essential territories despite facing little naval opposition. By hitting land targets and safeguarding naval convoys Haruna proved its versatile role and critical value within fleet operations.

Battle of Midway (June 1942)

During the pivotal Battle of Midway Haruna maintained an essential presence in the Pacific War's most significant naval confrontation. Haruna served as part of Japan’s carrier strike force escort group providing anti-aircraft protection and fleet coordination for carriers Akagi, Kaga, Soryu, and Hiryu.

Throughout the Battle of Midway Japan suffered defeat but Haruna sustained minimal damage throughout the fight. The destruction of four Japanese carriers transformed the Pacific War’s trajectory while Haruna stayed critical for Japan's naval operations and prepped for subsequent battles.

Guadalcanal Campaign (1942-1943)

During the Guadalcanal Campaign Haruna played a significant role by participating in various naval combat operations and shore bombardments. Tasked by Kirishima to attack Henderson Field which endangered Japanese supply lines Haruna directed its firepower against this crucial U.S. airbase.

Japanese forces could not hold Guadalcanal despite Haruna’s significant damage to American positions during the battle. Even though the Japanese forces experienced a strategic defeat Haruna demonstrated its combat effectiveness by supporting fire operations and engaging American naval ships in both offensive and defensive roles.

The Philippines and Leyte Gulf (1944)

Haruna took part in the greatest naval battle ever fought at Leyte Gulf. Within Admiral Kurita’s Center Force Haruna confronted American battleships and destroyers alongside cruisers during the Battle of Samar.

Haruna launched successful attacks against U.S. escort carriers and destroyers during the battle which caused significant damage to Task Force Taffy 3. The battle concluded with yet another Japanese defeat when American airpower and their superior fleet coordination crushed Japan's residual naval forces.

After suffering losses Haruna retreated to Brunei and subsequently moved to Japan for repairs and refitting during the final period of the war.

Why Haruna Was Special

Haruna distinguished itself from other Japanese battleships with its exceptional speed and ability to perform a range of operations. The fast battleship Haruna could operate in association with aircraft carriers while delivering rapid-response support and participated in fleet operations as well as independent missions.

Haruna was most valuable for its ability to perform multiple roles. The Haruna demonstrated proficiency in shore bombardments and carrier protection while performing well in fleet combat and amphibious landings which made it a highly versatile capital ship in the Imperial Japanese Navy.

The combination of Haruna's powerful weapons systems and defensive features created a powerful military threat. The 356mm guns on Haruna enabled it to fight against enemy battleships and cruisers while enhanced anti-aircraft defenses protected it against U.S. carrier aircraft threats.

The Imperial Japanese Navy saw Haruna serve as a battleship from before World War I until it remained operational through the final stages of World War II. The battleship demonstrated impressive durability and strategic value through its capacity to adjust to modern warfare while delivering effective service for many years.

The Sinking of Haruna

By mid-1945 all but gone was Japan's naval strength and Haruna stood as one of the few active battleships left. The Kure Naval Base in Japan functioned as the primary fleet anchorage where Haruna underwent its last maintenance and refitting processes.

U.S. carrier-based aircraft carried out a massive air raid against Haruna on July 28, 1945. An entire fleet of dive bombers and torpedo bombers attacked the anchored battleship with full force. The anti-aircraft defenses of Haruna proved ineffective as the battleship endured multiple bomb and torpedo strikes.

Multiple 1,000-pound bombs landed on Haruna’s decks triggering devastating fires and explosions. When an enemy projectile hit Haruna's magazine storage unit directly it caused catastrophic damage which led the battleship to flood uncontrollably within hours. Following the assault, the battleship rested in Kure Harbor’s shallow waters, where it stayed partially submerged until the war ended.

Japan lost its last fast battleship with Haruna's sinking which left the Imperial Japanese Navy without a major capital vessel that could challenge the United States fleet. The sinking of Haruna represented the total obliteration of Japan’s surface fleet which solidified U.S. supremacy in the Pacific.

Final Thoughts

The battleship Haruna stood as Japan’s hallmark of naval progress and flexible military strategy. The Asiatic Fleet depended on its significant contributions to fleet battles and carrier operations along with shore bombardments.

Japan demonstrated its naval modernization capabilities through the transformation of its World War I battlecruiser into a World War II fast battleship. Haruna remains a legendary warship of the Pacific War because of its exceptional battle-hardened status and versatility despite being lost in battle.

Naval historians continue to examine the Haruna as the definitive example of Japan’s capital ship strategy which highlights the Imperial Japanese Navy's capabilities and constraints throughout World War II.