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Ariake-class destroyer
Ariake-class destroyer
Ariake-class destroyer
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JDS Ariake in 1960s
Class overview
NameAriake-class destroyer
BuildersBoston Navy Yard, Massachusetts
Operators
Preceded byAsakaze class
Succeeded byHarukaze class
Built1943
In commission1959-1974
Completed2
Retired2
General characteristics
TypeDestroyer
Displacement2,050 long tons (2,083 t)
Length376 ft 6 in (114.76 m)
Beam39 ft 8 in (12.09 m)
Draft13 ft 9 in (4.19 m)
Propulsion
  • 60,000 shp (45,000 kW)
  • 2 propellers
Speed35 knots (65 km/h; 40 mph)
Range6,500 nmi (12,000 km; 7,500 mi) at 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph)
Complement300
Sensors &
processing systems
Armament

The Ariake-class destroyer is a class of destroyers of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Two ships of the Fletcher class were lent by the United States Navy and were in commission from 1959 until 1974.[1][2]

Development

[edit]

JDS Ariake was commissioned as USS Heywood L. Edwards on 26 January 1944, and JDS Yūgure was commissioned as USS Richard P. Leary on 23 February 1944 at the Boston Navy Yard.

After World War II, they were in a mothball state, but on 10 March 1959, they were handed over to Japan at Long Beach in the United States based on the Japan-US Ship Loan Agreement, towed as it was, and moved to Yokosuka Port on 16 April. Both ships held a self-defense ship flag award ceremony on 20 April, and officially became self-defense ships. The mothball dismantling work was carried out at Uraga Dock for Ariake and at Ishikawajima Heavy Industries Tokyo No. 2 Factory for Yūgure. All the launch tubes were removed, a trainee auditorium with a capacity of 40 people was newly established, and a part of the fuel tank was converted into a fresh water tank. This is because this model has the main task of training, and later Ariake participated in the practicing voyage three times and Yūgure four times. At this time, Ariake replaced her sonar with QJA.[3]

After the construction was completed, Yūgure was recommissioned on 17 December 1959. At this point, the Akizuki-class destroyer was under construction, making it the first Maritime Self-Defense Force escort ship to exceed the standard displacement of 2,000 tons. Ariake suffered a breakage accident of the main turbine blade during sea trials, and it was necessary to order parts from the United States, so the recommission was delayed to 21 April 1960.

On 2 March 1970, the 2nd Training Corps was abolished, and Ariake was incorporated into the Practical Experiment Corps (predecessor of the Development Corps). In March of the same year, Ishikawajima Harima Heavy Industries began bow extension work to replace the conventional bow in order to convert it to a low-frequency long-range prototype bow sonar T-101 experimental ship under development at the Technical Research and Development Institute of the Defense Agency. It was cut and replaced with a newly built bow sonar bow, which was 5.5 m (18 ft) longer. As a result, the 5-inch (127 mm) No. 1 gun was removed, sonar-related equipment was stored in the ammunition storage and living quarters on the bow, and diesel generators were installed in the conventional auditorium. These refurbishments increased displacement by 230 tonnes. The construction was completed in March 1971 and the vessel was engaged in practical experiments since then. The T-101, which was repeatedly tested on this ship, was later equipped as the Type 75 detector OQS-101 and is mounted on the Shirane type.

Yūgure moved to the 2nd Mine Warfare Force on 2 March 1970 and to the 1st Mine Warfare Force on 10 March 1972, both of which engaged in support missions as flagships. Both ships were removed from the register on 9 March 1974 due to aging, and were returned to the US Navy at Yokosuka. They were dismantled after being sold in 1976.[4]

Ships in the class

[edit]
Ariake class
Hull no. Name Builder Laid down Launched Commissioned Decommissioned
DD-183 Ariake Boston Navy Yard, Massachusetts 4 July 1943 6 October 1943 10 March 1959 9 March 1974
DD-184 Yūgure

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ariake-class destroyer

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Ariake-class destroyers were a short-lived class of two multi-role surface combatants operated by the (JMSDF), consisting of Fletcher-class vessels loaned under the Mutual Defense Assistance Program to bolster Japan's postwar naval capabilities. These ships, originally commissioned during , were modernized for JMSDF service and represented an early step in Japan's rearmament following the 1954 Self-Defense Forces Law. They were decommissioned in 1974. The two vessels in the class were JDS Ariake (DD-183), formerly the USS Heywood L. Edwards (DD-663), and JDS Yūgure (DD-184), formerly the USS Richard P. Leary (DD-664). Both ships were transferred to on March 10, 1959, and underwent modernization including replacement of the No. 2 5-inch gun mount with an . The class was retired as shifted toward indigenous designs like the Takatsuki class, with both ships scrapped in 1976. Technically, the Ariake-class ships displaced 2,940 tons at full load, measured 114.8 meters in length with a beam of 12 meters and draft of 4.2 meters, and were powered by four boilers driving two geared steam turbines for a maximum speed of 36 knots. Their armament in JMSDF service included four 5-inch/38-caliber dual-purpose guns, an RUR-4 Weapon Alpha launcher, 40 mm anti-aircraft mounts, and depth charge launchers for anti-submarine roles. With a complement of up to 330 personnel and a range of 5,500 nautical miles at 15 knots, they exemplified the transitional nature of early JMSDF vessels reliant on American surplus hardware.

Origins and Acquisition

Background and Precedent

The Fletcher-class destroyers originated from the United States Navy's urgent expansion program during , with initial design contracts awarded in 1940 following the outbreak of war in and Japan's aggression in . Conceived as a standardized, mass-producible vessel to replace aging prewar classes, the Fletcher design prioritized a balanced armament of five 5-inch/38-caliber guns, depth charge projectors, and torpedo tubes, alongside a top speed exceeding 36 knots for fleet integration. From 1941 to 1945, shipyards constructed 175 units, forming the backbone of the U.S. destroyer force and serving in diverse roles across all theaters of the conflict. Key attributes of the Fletcher class, including its robust hull, versatile weapon systems, and capacity for rapid modifications, rendered it exceptionally suited for (ASW), convoy escorts, and screening larger warships against air and surface threats. During the war, these destroyers conducted thousands of ASW patrols, protected merchant shipping lanes, and provided gunfire support in amphibious assaults, demonstrating reliability in high-intensity operations. Postwar surpluses of these vessels, combined with their proven multi-role efficacy, positioned them as valuable assets for transfer to emerging allied navies needing immediate operational capacity without extensive new construction. Japan's maritime defense landscape shifted dramatically after under the constraints of the 1951 Treaty of Peace with Japan and the concurrent U.S.-Japan Security Treaty, which prohibited offensive military capabilities and emphasized reliance on American forces for external security. In this context, the (JMSDF) was formally established on July 1, 1954, evolving from the postwar Coastal Safety Force and inheriting a minimal fleet of patrol craft amid domestic constitutional debates over rearmament. The JMSDF's early development hinged on U.S. , including vessel transfers, to rapidly build a credible defensive posture against potential and coastal threats in the Pacific. This transfer mechanism built on precedents like the 1954 handover of two ex-U.S. Gleaves-class destroyers to the JMSDF, recommissioned as the Asakaze class (JDS Asakaze DD-181 and JDS Hatakaze DD-182), which marked Japan's first dedicated and underscored the U.S. strategy of bolstering allied capabilities through surplus wartime hulls. These vessels enabled foundational training in ASW tactics and fleet operations, establishing a template for ongoing American support that extended to later classes and fostered the JMSDF's growth into a modern force.

Transfer Process

In 1959, the selected USS Heywood L. Edwards (DD-663) and USS Richard P. Leary (DD-664) from the Pacific Reserve Fleet at , for loan to the (JMSDF) as part of efforts to bolster Japan's naval capabilities under the Mutual Defense Assistance Program. The loan agreement took effect on March 10, 1959, with no purchase cost to ; however, the JMSDF bore responsibility for all reactivation, towing, rehabilitation, and ongoing maintenance expenses. Both ships, placed in reserve after service, were towed across the Pacific from Long Beach to Yokosuka Naval Base, arriving in mid-April 1959 to facilitate JMSDF crew familiarization and initial preparations en route under U.S. supervision. Upon arrival at , the vessels were decommissioned from the U.S. Navy. Both held flag award ceremonies on April 20, 1959, officially entering JMSDF service as JDS Ariake (DD-183, ex-Heywood L. Edwards) and JDS Yūgure (DD-184, ex-Richard P. Leary). JDS Ariake's commissioning was delayed until April 21, 1960 owing to turbine blade repairs; JDS Yūgure was commissioned on December 17, 1959, after additional outfitting.

Design and Specifications

General Characteristics

The Ariake-class destroyers, derived from the U.S. Navy's Fletcher-class design, exhibited a standard displacement of 2,050 long tons (2,083 t) and a full load displacement of 2,940 long tons (2,990 t). These vessels measured 376 ft 6 in (114.8 m) in length, with a beam of 39 ft 8 in (12.1 m) and a draft of 13 ft 9 in (4.2 m); JDS Ariake was lengthened to 120.3 m (394 ft 9 in) in 1971. Their propulsion system comprised four boilers supplying steam to two geared steam turbines, generating 60,000 shaft horsepower (45 MW) to power twin propellers. This configuration delivered a maximum speed of 36 knots and an operational range of 5,500 nautical miles at 15 knots, accommodating a complement of approximately 330 officers and enlisted personnel. The hull featured a flush-deck configuration with a prominent tripod foremast, providing structural integrity and visibility for operations; upon transfer to the (JMSDF), the ships were assigned pennant numbers DD-183 and DD-184.

Armament and Modifications

The Ariake-class destroyers, upon transfer to the (JMSDF), underwent substantial armament reductions to emphasize their primary role as training platforms. All five 21-inch quintuple mounts were removed, along with several racks, allowing space for instructional facilities and reducing the vessels' offensive capabilities in favor of educational priorities. This de-militarization aligned with the JMSDF's early constraints and focus on personnel development rather than . The retained armament included three or four 5-inch/38 caliber single guns (with No. 2 mount forward replaced by an on JDS Ariake and No. 3 mount removed on both ships; No. 1 mount removed on Ariake in 1971). Anti-aircraft defenses consisted of multiple 40 mm guns in twin mounts and 20 mm Oerlikon guns, though the number of these lighter AA weapons was progressively reduced over the to simplify maintenance and training logistics. Sensor modifications were limited but targeted for JMSDF compatibility and testing. U.S.-origin radar systems were largely removed and substituted with Japanese electronics, including updated fire control radars. JDS Ariake received the indigenous QJA sonar system for antisubmarine warfare experiments, enhancing its utility in acoustic training scenarios. In 1970–1971, Ariake's bow was extended by 5.5 meters at Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries to accommodate an experimental bow-mounted sonar installation. Other adaptations included the conversion of several fuel tanks to freshwater storage, boosting capacity to approximately 500 tons for extended cruises, and the installation of a 40-person auditorium in the former torpedo rooms to facilitate onboard instruction. No significant propulsion or hull overhauls were undertaken beyond routine , preserving the vessels' original 36-knot maximum speed and 5,500 range at 15 knots.

Operational History

Training and Experimental Duties

The Ariake-class destroyers served primarily in non-combat capacities within the (JMSDF) from their 1959 commissioning until 1974, emphasizing collective and (ASW) experimentation to build operational readiness during the early . As transferred U.S. Fletcher-class vessels, they acted as interim assets following the introduction of Japan's first indigenous destroyers, the Harukaze class, which entered service between 1955 and 1957 and marked the JMSDF's shift toward self-reliant naval construction. This role allowed the Ariake class to support fleet expansion while more advanced indigenous designs, such as the Akizuki and Ayanami classes, were developed in the and . The ships participated in annual JMSDF fleet exercises, with a strong emphasis on ASW tactics to counter simulated Soviet incursions in key maritime areas like the and . These maneuvers honed coordinated operations, including tracking and deployments, aligning with the JMSDF's overarching prioritization of ASW as its core mission amid regional tensions. By providing hands-on experience for crews, the Ariake class contributed to elevating the JMSDF's proficiency, reducing reliance on U.S. Navy support for defense by the late 1960s. In experimental duties, JDS Ariake was selected for trials of the T-101 variable-depth sonar system from 1970 to 1971, involving sea-based evaluations that tested its deployment and performance in varying oceanographic conditions. This prototype, an early Japanese effort in advanced underwater detection, was iteratively refined through multiple outings and later evolved into the OQS-101 sonar integrated on later helicopter destroyers like the Shirane class. Such testing underscored the class's utility in prototyping equipment upgrades, including minor modifications like ASW mortar integrations, to enhance overall fleet effectiveness.

Key Events and Decommissioning

The Ariake-class destroyers participated in joint exercises with the during the , enhancing interoperability in and other maritime operations as part of the broader U.S.- alliance. These activities included periodic drills focused on minelaying, , and coordinated fleet maneuvers, which helped integrate the ships into the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's (JMSDF) operational framework. In 1964, both vessels visited Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, demonstrating the class's role in multinational engagements amid tensions. The ships contributed to the JMSDF's posture by bolstering surveillance and deterrence against Soviet naval activities in the Pacific. As loaned U.S. Fletcher-class vessels, they served as a stopgap for Japan's rearming efforts, supporting patrol duties in key sea lanes while domestic programs matured. This integration underscored the class's transitional significance in evolving JMSDF capabilities during a period of heightened regional instability. Both Ariake (DD-183) and Yūgure (DD-184) were decommissioned on March 9, 1974, after approximately 15 years of service, due to advancing age and the JMSDF's shift toward indigenous designs. Under the original Military Assistance Program loan terms, the vessels were returned to U.S. Navy custody at . In 1976, they were transferred to the U.S. Maritime Administration and subsequently scrapped, with no efforts made for preservation as museum ships or memorials. The Ariake class bridged the gap between early reliance on transferred U.S. warships and Japan's development of modern destroyers, influencing training doctrines for subsequent classes like the Murasame, which emphasized multirole capabilities and ASW proficiency. Their service highlighted the JMSDF's growth from a defensive coastal force to a blue-water contributor, shaping operational standards amid evolving threats.

Ships in the Class

JDS Ariake (DD-183)

JDS Ariake (DD-183) was originally constructed as the USS Heywood L. Edwards (DD-663) for the . She was laid down on 4 July 1943 at the in , launched on 6 October 1943, and commissioned on 26 January 1944 under the command of J. W. Boulware. Following shakedown operations off , the ship joined the Pacific Fleet in May 1944 as part of 56. She participated in major campaigns in the Pacific theater, including fire support for the invasions of Saipan and Tinian in the Marianas (June–July 1944), where she rescued 44 survivors from a sinking transport; the Palaus landings (September 1944); and the landings at (January 1945), during which she downed two enemy aircraft. A highlight of her service was her role in the , specifically the Battle of on 25 October 1944, where she fired torpedoes at the Japanese battleship alongside other destroyers. She also provided gunfire support at (February 1945) and Okinawa (March–May 1945), earning a and seven battle stars for her wartime actions. Decommissioned on 1 July 1946 at Charleston, South Carolina, the ship entered the Long Beach Group, Pacific Reserve Fleet. Under the U.S. Military Assistance Program, she was struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 1 December 1958, withdrawn from reserve, and loaned to Japan on 10 March 1959. Renamed JDS Ariake (DD-183) after the Japanese word for "dawn," she was towed to Yokosuka, arriving on 16 April 1959 for refurbishment and repairs to prepare her for JMSDF service. She was commissioned into the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force on 10 March 1959. As the of her class in JMSDF service, Ariake served primarily in training roles under the 2nd Training Corps until 2 March 1970, after which she joined the Practical Experiment Corps, focusing on (ASW) development and testing and evaluating new systems, including class-wide upgrades to sonar domes mounted in an extended bow section for improved performance. In her later years, operations became increasingly limited owing to her age and the obsolescence of her World War II-era design. Ariake was decommissioned on 9 March 1974 at and subsequently scrapped in 1976.

JDS Yūgure (DD-184)

JDS Yūgure (DD-184) was the second vessel of the Ariake-class destroyers operated by the (JMSDF), originally constructed as the USS Richard P. Leary (DD-664) for the U.S. Navy. Laid down on 4 July 1943 at the in , , she was launched on 6 October 1943 and sponsored by Mrs. George K. Crozer III. The ship was commissioned on 23 February 1944 under the command of Commander Frederic S. Habecker. During , USS Richard P. Leary conducted escort duties and provided gunfire support in major Pacific campaigns, including the invasions of Saipan and Tinian in the Marianas in June–July 1944, in September 1944, the Battle of Surigao Strait on 25 October 1944 where she launched torpedoes at the Japanese battleship Yamashiro, and in February 1945, where she screened carriers and bombarded shore positions. Following the war, she participated in occupation duties before being decommissioned on 10 December 1946 and placed in the Pacific Reserve Fleet at . On 10 March 1959, the ship was transferred to and renamed JDS Yūgure (DD-184), undergoing refit at before entering JMSDF service on 10 March 1959 for training and experimental duties. In the JMSDF, Yūgure primarily supported fleet training, including annual mine countermeasures exercises in the , and served as for the Mine Warfare Force starting in 1960. She remained assigned to the 2nd Training Squadron until 1970, after which she shifted to regional training units under various commands. She was decommissioned on 9 March 1974, sharing the class's retirement timeline, and subsequently returned to U.S. custody before being scrapped in 1976.

References

  1. https://www.seaforces.org/marint/Japan-Maritime-Self-Defense-Force/Destroyer/Ariake-class.htm
  2. https://naval-encyclopedia.com/cold-war/jmsdf-japanese-navy.php
  3. https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/o/our-navy-at-war.html
  4. https://naval-encyclopedia.com/ww2/us/fletcher-class-destroyers.php
  5. https://destroyerhistory.org/fletcherclass/
  6. https://www.mofa.go.jp/region/n-america/us/q&a/ref/1.html
  7. https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/1981/march/japanese-maritime-self-defense-force
  8. https://www.seaforces.org/marint/Japan-Maritime-Self-Defense-Force/Destroyer/Asakaze-class.htm
  9. https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/h/heywood-l-edwards-dd-663.html
  10. https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1955-57v23p1/d202
  11. https://destroyerhistory.org/fletcherclass/ussheywoodledwards/
  12. https://abbot.us/fletcher/
  13. https://www.usskidd.com/ship-tour/the-enginerooms-firerooms/
  14. http://pwencycl.kgbudge.com/F/l/Fletcher_class.htm
  15. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/dd-445-design.htm
  16. https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/1960/february/japan-strong-worthy-ally
  17. https://www.navalanalyses.com/2016/06/the-evolution-of-japanese-destroyers.html
  18. https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/USS_Richard_P._Leary
  19. https://wiki.warthunder.com/297-foreign-service-of-fletcher-class-destroyer
  20. https://destroyerhistory.org/fletcherclass/ussheywoodledwards_nuc/
  21. https://maltashipphotos.com/military-nostalgia-jds-ariake-dd-183/
  22. https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/r/richard-p-leary.html
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