IJN Satsuma vs. USS Missouri
What's the Difference?
IJN Satsuma and USS Missouri were both battleships that served during World War II, but they were on opposite sides of the conflict. Satsuma was a Japanese battleship that was laid down in 1910 and commissioned in 1917, while Missouri was an American battleship that was commissioned in 1944. Both ships were heavily armed and played significant roles in naval battles during the war. However, Missouri is perhaps best known for being the site of the Japanese surrender ceremony in Tokyo Bay in 1945, effectively ending the war in the Pacific. Satsuma, on the other hand, was sunk by American aircraft in 1945 during the Battle of the East China Sea. Despite their differences in fate, both battleships were formidable vessels that left their mark on naval history.
Comparison
| Attribute | IJN Satsuma | USS Missouri |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Japan | United States |
| Class | Super-dreadnought battleship | Iowa-class battleship |
| Commissioned | Never commissioned | 1944 |
| Displacement | Approx. 43,000 tons | Approx. 45,000 tons |
| Length | Approx. 862 feet | 887 feet |
| Armament | 12 x 16-inch guns | 9 x 16-inch guns |
Further Detail
History
The IJN Satsuma was a battleship of the Imperial Japanese Navy, laid down in 1910 and completed in 1917. It was the lead ship of its class and was one of the first battleships built by Japan after the Russo-Japanese War. On the other hand, the USS Missouri was a battleship of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1944 and famously served as the site of the Japanese surrender that ended World War II. The Missouri was one of the last battleships built by the United States and played a significant role in several conflicts.
Design and Armament
The IJN Satsuma was designed to be a fast battleship, with a top speed of 23 knots. It was armed with twelve 14-inch guns in six twin turrets, giving it significant firepower for its time. The ship also had a strong armor belt to protect it from enemy fire. In comparison, the USS Missouri was also a fast battleship, capable of reaching speeds of up to 33 knots. It was armed with nine 16-inch guns in three triple turrets, making it one of the most heavily armed battleships of its era. The Missouri also had advanced radar and fire control systems.
Combat Record
The IJN Satsuma saw limited action during World War I, as Japan's involvement in the conflict was minimal. It was used primarily for training and as a deterrent against potential threats in the Pacific. The ship was eventually scrapped in the 1920s as part of naval disarmament treaties. In contrast, the USS Missouri had a storied combat record, participating in numerous battles during World War II, including the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. The Missouri also played a key role in the Korean War and the Gulf War, before being decommissioned in 1992.
Legacy
The IJN Satsuma is not as well-known as some of Japan's other battleships, such as the Yamato, but it still holds a place in naval history as one of the first modern battleships built by Japan. Its design and armament influenced later Japanese warships and helped shape the country's naval strategy. The USS Missouri, on the other hand, is one of the most famous battleships in American history. Its role in World War II and subsequent conflicts cemented its place in the annals of naval warfare, and it is now a museum ship in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where visitors can learn about its history and legacy.
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