Chapter 52: Handover

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"You've been promoted from cruiser captain to aircraft carrier captain, but I've been transferred from aircraft carrier captain to battleship captain."

During the handover ceremony for the captaincy of the aircraft carrier Shōhō, the outgoing Captain Morishita, with a smile, teased his fellow officer and the next captain of the carrier, Captain Aruga. Effective January 25, Morishita would transfer from the captaincy of the Shōhō to the Yamato, while Aruga would move from the captaincy of the Chōkai to the Shōhō.

"Captaining the Yamato is a dream for every gunner, but it turns out to be a demotion. It suits you, though. But I agree. It's no longer the era of battleships. I, too, was chased around plenty by American planes when I was the captain of the Chōkai. Thanks to that, I learned the fear of airplanes. That's why we must send the best talent to the top firepower aircraft carriers. However, it seems the higher-ups in the Navy still have a mindset stuck in the era of big guns. The fact that they think the transfer from the Shōhō captain to the Yamato captain is a promotion or a reward is the biggest evidence of that," Aruga spoke in understanding. There was no time for long talks with the seasoned, almost-ranking-generals. "So, tell me. As someone who fought in the Second Battle of the Indian Ocean and the Second Battle of the Coral Sea, what do you think of the ship known as the 'Multi Shōhō'?"

The small giant ship Shōhō had participated in all battles between Japanese and American or Japanese and British mobile fleets, contributing to victories with remarkable performance in intense battles. Now, not only among the military but also among the citizens, the nickname 'Multi Shōhō' resounded far and wide. Of course, the Allied forces were well aware of this, and that's why the Shōhō was designated as one of the top-priority attack targets.

"We extended the flight deck, somewhat dulling its turning ability, but it's not something to worry about. It maintains a speed of 28 knots. However, don't expect much in terms of acceleration performance; the engines were originally for destroyers. We loaded what we could on a 10.000-ton carrier from a 2.000-ton ship, so just accept that. As for the operation of the planes, it'll be a discussion with the flight officer, but since they are aviation specialists, unless there's something seriously wrong, you can leave it to them. Besides, the Shōhō has always had excellent flight officers assigned, so you can be on the big ship without worries."

"That's reassuring. I'm an amateur when it comes to planes, so having an excellent specialist is more than welcome. The fact that the Personnel Bureau sent competent personnel to the Shōhō is thanks to Iizawa-san or perhaps your efforts. And now, I hear the Shōhō is reigning as the leading target for the enemy and acknowledged even by the Navy Ministry. Despite the tough situation, they are investing in excellent personnel for us, aren't they?"

Since the start of the war, the shortage of mid-level officers such as captains and commanders in the rapidly expanding base air units had become increasingly severe. Competent personnel were in high demand, and even regular aircraft carriers, superior to the Shōhō, struggled to secure them. In such circumstances, sending competent personnel to the modified small aircraft carrier the Shōhō was likely a consideration to mitigate the psychological damage that Imperial Navy personnel would suffer in case of losing the ship. In the midst of the rapidly deteriorating situation from late 1943, the Shōhō was one of the few hopes.

"Indeed, it's true that the top brass in the Navy doesn't want to lose the Shōhō. However, the situation is no longer at a stage where they can afford such leisurely sentiments. If the General Staff or the Combined Fleet Headquarters deems it necessary, they'll use the Shōhō again as bait or as a decoy. Be prepared for that."

"So, it means I should continue as I have been doing."

In response to Morishita's warning, Aruga nodded with a cynical smile.

Captain Aruga's attitude seemed calm and composed. However, to Morishita, it appeared not so much as reassuring but rather as if Aruga had already accepted the fate of the Shōhō and himself.