Japanese Cruiser Maya - History

History

At the start of the Pacific War, Maya was assigned to support the invasion of the Philippine Islands. From January through March 1942, the Maya was involved in operations to seize the oil-rich Dutch East Indies. On March 3, 1942 the Maya was present at the sinking of the US gunboat USS Asheville (PG-21), south of Java.

Returning to Japan in April 1942, Maya was assigned to the unsuccessful pursuit of Admiral William F. Halsey's Task Force 16.2 after the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo, which had damaged the aircraft carrier Ryuho during her conversion. In May–June 1942, she participated in the successful invasion of the Aleutian Islands.

In August 1942, the Maya was assigned south, to the reinforcement of the Solomon Islands, and participated in the Battle of the Eastern Solomons. The Maya was based out of Truk through the remainder of 1942. During the bombardment of Henderson Field on November 14, 1942, the Maya task force was attacked by the USS Flying Fish (SS-229), which missed the Maya with six torpedoes. Later, the Maya was attacked by Douglas SBD "Dauntless" dive-bombers of VB-10 squadron, one of which dropped a 500-lb (227 kg) bomb astern of the ship, but whose starboard wing struck the Maya's mainmast; the plane crashed into the ship's portside and ignited 4.7-inch (120 mm) shells. Thirty-seven crewmen were killed.

The Maya returned to Yokosuka for repairs and refit in January 1943, and was then reassigned to the Northern fleet, supporting supply missions to the Kurile Islands and the Aleutian islands. On March 26, 1943, the Maya participated in the Battle of the Komandorski Islands, off Kamchatka Peninsula. Rear Admiral (later Vice Admiral) Charles H. McMorris Task Group 16.6's USS Richmond (CL-9), USS Salt Lake City (CA-25) and four destroyers engaged Vice Admiral Hosogaya's Fifth Fleet cruisers Nachi, Maya, Tama, Abukuma and two destroyers, escorting a convoy with troops and supplies for the isolated garrison on Attu.　The Maya catapulted her spotter aircraft and launched Type 93 "Long Lance" torpedoes, but scored no hits. In a four-hour running gun battle, the Salt Lake City and the USS Bailey (DD-492) were damaged by gunfire. The Maya and the Nachi were also damaged in the exchange of fire and the Japanese were forced to abort their resupply mission.

After repairs again at Yokosuka, the Maya returned to the Kuriles in late April, and became flagship of the Fifth Fleet, assisting in the evacuation of Kiska island after the loss of Attu to the Americans in August 1943.

After refit in Yokosuka with additional twin-mount Type-96 AA guns (bringing its total to 16 barrels), the Maya accompanied the Chōkai back to Truk, arriving in late September, and started shuttling troops and supplies between Truk and Rabaul. In November, the Maya was attacked by SBD Dauntless dive-bombers from the USS Saratoga (CV-3). A bomb hit the aircraft deck portside above the No. 3 engine room and started a major fire. Seventy crewmen were killed. Emergency repairs were made at Rabaul, and the Maya returned to Yokosuka at the end of 1943.

At Kure, the Maya embarked two Aichi E13A1 Jake long-range scout planes, troops and materials. A monkey, donated to the Maya by the Kure Zoo, was also embarked. During the voyage, the aircrew taught the monkey to smartly salute the senior officers, much to their annoyance.

From April through June 1944, the Maya supported other units in the defense of the Philippines, culminating in the June 19–20, 1944 Battle of the Philippine Sea, in which the Maya was damaged slightly by near-misses. On June 20, 1944, the Maya retired with the remnants of the fleet via Okinawa to Yokosuka, where the aircrew and their pet monkey disembarked.

On October 22, 1944, the Battle of Leyte Gulf, Maya was assigned to Cruiser Division 5 with sister ships Atago, Takao and Chōkai. On October 23, 1944, Maya was part of the Battle of the Palawan Passage. At 05:33, the Maya’s sister-ships Atago and Takao were torpedoed by the American submarine USS Darter (SS-227). The Atago sank in approximately 18 minutes. Twenty minutes later the submarine USS Dace (SS-247) fired six torpedoes at the Maya, mistaking it for a Kongō-class battleship; the Maya was struck by four torpedoes portside: one in the forward chain locker, another opposite No. 1 gun turret, a third in No. 7 boiler room and the last in the aft engine room. Powerful secondary explosions followed immediately, and by 06:00 Maya was dead in the water and listing heavily to port. She sank five minutes later, taking 336 officers and men to the bottom, including her last captain (09°27′N 117°23′E / 9.45°N 117.383°E / 9.45; 117.383Coordinates: 09°27′N 117°23′E / 9.45°N 117.383°E / 9.45; 117.383).

The Akishimo rescued 769 men, and transferred them to the battleship Musashi, which was sunk the following day; 143 of Maya's crewmen were lost with Musashi. Thus, from the final crew of 1,105 crewmen, 479 were lost.