File:F6F-3 Of VF-9 Over Japanese Destroyer Tachikaze In February 1944.jpg
The U.S. Navy Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat from Fighting Squadron 9 (VF-9) flies over the beached Japanese destroyer Tachikaze, during Task Force 58's strikes on the Japanese naval base at Truk, Caroline Islands, 16-17 February 1944. VF-9 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 9 (CVG-9) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Essex (CV-9).
On 4 February 1944, Tachikaze ran aground at Kuop Atoll in Truk Lagoon while returning from Rabaul, and remained stranded there despite efforts to free her. During the Allied "Operation Hailstone" 17–18 February, Tachikaze suffered heavy strafing followed by a torpedo hit in the engine room, which sank the ship by the stern.
Date
circa 17 February 1944
Source
Official U.S. Navy photo 80-G-216889 from the U.S. Navy Naval History and Heritage Command
Author
U.S. Navy (photographed from a USS Essex (CV-9) plane)
On 4 February 1944, Tachikaze ran aground at Kuop Atoll in Truk Lagoon while returning from Rabaul, and remained stranded there despite efforts to free her. During the Allied "Operation Hailstone" 17–18 February, Tachikaze suffered heavy strafing followed by a torpedo hit in the engine room, which sank the ship by the stern.
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Licensing
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This file is a work of a sailor or employee of the U.S. Navy, taken or made as part of that person's official duties. As a work of the U.S. federal government, it is in the public domain in the United States.
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This file has been identified as being free of known restrictions under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights. |