Japanese Aircraft Carrier Chitose

Japanese Aircraft Carrier Chitose

The Japanese warship Chitose began her career as a seaplane carrier and later served as a light aircraft carrier during the Second World War. Kure Naval Arsenal laid her down in November 1934, launched her in November 1936, and completed her in July 1938. Her design reflected the Imperial Japanese Navy’s interest in long-range reconnaissance, fleet scouting, and mobile aviation support across the Pacific.

Chitose carried floatplanes for patrol, observation, and scouting duties. She supported Japanese operations in China before the Pacific War and then took part in the rapid expansion of Japanese power after December 1941. During these early campaigns, she operated around the Philippines, the Dutch East Indies, and other forward areas where Japan needed air cover and reconnaissance. Her aircraft helped extend the fleet’s reach across wide ocean spaces and supported operations far from established bases.

The Battle of Midway in June 1942 changed Japan’s carrier situation dramatically. After losing four major fleet carriers, the Imperial Japanese Navy needed additional flight decks as quickly as possible. As a result, naval planners selected Chitose and her sister ship Chiyoda for conversion into light aircraft carriers.

Workers at Sasebo Naval Arsenal began converting Chitose in January 1943 and completed the work in early 1944. They removed her earlier aviation equipment and added a flight deck, hangar, elevators, and improved anti-aircraft armament. Although the conversion gave Japan another carrier, Chitose remained smaller and less capable than the fleet carriers lost earlier in the war.

Chitose joined Carrier Division 3 and took part in the Battle of the Philippine Sea in June 1944. Her final action came during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. On 25 October 1944, American carrier aircraft attacked Admiral Jisaburō Ozawa’s northern force off Cape Engaño. Repeated hits caused severe flooding, and Chitose sank during the battle.

Photographs of IJN Chitose

References for Chitose

1. Tully, Anthony P. “IJN Chitose: Tabular Record of Movement.” Combined Fleet / Kido Butai. (Combined Fleet)
2. Hackett, Bob; Kingsepp, Sander; and Tully, Anthony P. “IJN Seaplane Carrier Chitose: Tabular Record of Movement.” Combined Fleet. (Combined Fleet)
3. “Japanese Aircraft Carrier Chitose.” World War II Database. (WW2DB)
4. “Chitose Class Light Fleet Aircraft Carriers.” Naval Encyclopedia. (Naval Encyclopedia)
5. “World War II Japanese Aircraft Carriers of CVL Chitose Class.” Naval History and Heritage Command. (Naval History and Heritage Command)
6. Stille, Mark. Imperial Japanese Navy Aircraft Carriers 1921–45. Osprey Publishing, 2005. (Osprey Publishing)
7. Jentschura, Hansgeorg; Jung, Dieter; and Mickel, Peter. Warships of the Imperial Japanese Navy, 1869–1945. Arms & Armour Press, 1977. (Internet Archive)
8. Chesneau, Roger, ed. Conway’s All the World’s Fighting Ships, 1922–1946. Conway Maritime Press, 1980. (Internet Archive)