Back in Time Today
Discover the incredible story of the USS Archerfish and its legendary sinking of the Japanese supercarrier Shinano during World War II.
This blog post explores 10 fascinating facts about this historic naval event, uncovering the drama, strategy, and unexpected victories behind one of the most significant submarine kills in history.
1. The Date: November 28, 1944
In the cloak of night on November 28, 1944, the USS Archerfish prowled the waters off Japan’s coast. The crew, unaware of the monumental event about to unfold, was on routine patrol. The sea was quiet, and the tension palpable.
Commander Joseph F. Enright led his men through the darkness, their breaths held as they sailed into history. Little did they know, this night would mark the pinnacle of their naval careers, a testament to bravery and naval prowess.
It was a night destined for greatness, as the crew prepared for the most significant kill in submarine history.
2. The Captain Seeking Redemption
Commander Joseph F. Enright, a man of determination and grit, sought redemption on this critical mission. Previously relieved of command after a lackluster patrol, this assignment was deeply personal.
Driven by the desire to restore his honor, Enright commanded the Archerfish with unwavering focus. The shadow of his past failures lingered in his mind, but his resolve was unbreakable.
In the face of adversity, Enright’s leadership shone, guiding his crew toward a moment that would redefine naval warfare. His journey from redemption to triumph remains a compelling tale of perseverance.
3. A Message to Pearl Harbor
At exactly 11:22 PM, Commander Enright sent a message that would echo through history: “I am pursuing a large aircraft carrier.”
The significance of this transmission was unknown to him at the time. The vessel they were tailing was the Shinano, a secret and heavily guarded Japanese supercarrier, shrouded in mystery.
This communication, sent in the dead of night, marked the beginning of an intense pursuit. The message would later symbolize the turning point in a mission that highlighted the unpredictability and drama of naval warfare.
4. The Shinano: A Floating Fortress
The Shinano was no ordinary vessel. Originally crafted as a Yamato-class battleship, it was transformed into an aircraft carrier mid-construction.
At 72,000 tons, it stood as the largest warship in the world at that time. Its existence was a closely guarded secret, symbolizing Japan’s naval strength.
The ship was a floating fortress, designed to be unsinkable and invincible. Yet, its maiden voyage would prove otherwise, as it became the target of the USS Archerfish’s historical pursuit, forever altering the naval landscape.
5. The Pursuit Lasted Over Six Hours
For over six tense hours, the USS Archerfish shadowed the Shinano, matching its speed and zig-zag motions.
The crew remained laser-focused, every move calculated to avoid detection. Each moment was fraught with danger, as a single misstep could mean disaster.
Stalking from the surface, the Archerfish crew exhibited nerves of steel. This lengthy pursuit was a testament to their skill and determination, culminating in a naval feat that would stand as a benchmark in submarine warfare history. The chase was as dramatic as it was strategic.
6. The Perfect Shot
At precisely 3:17 AM, the USS Archerfish released six torpedoes in quick succession.
Four found their mark, striking the Shinano with devastating accuracy. The ocean erupted as the massive vessel began to list, its invincibility shattered.
The perfect shot, a combination of skill, timing, and luck, showcased the unparalleled expertise of the Archerfish crew. This moment of triumph reverberated through naval history, underscoring the precision and courage required to tackle an opponent of such magnitude. The ocean bore witness to a naval legend in the making.
7. No One Knew What They Sank
The crew of the Archerfish had just struck a blow that would echo through naval history, yet they remained oblivious to the magnitude of their success.
At the time of the attack, they had no idea they had sunk the largest aircraft carrier ever launched. The true scale of their victory wouldn’t be realized until after the war.
This unawareness added an intriguing layer to the story, highlighting the fog of war and the surprises it often conceals. The Archerfish’s triumph would only be fully appreciated in the aftermath of conflict.
8. A Catastrophic Loss for Japan
The sinking of the Shinano was a devastating blow to Japan’s naval capabilities. Designed to be unsinkable, the supercarrier sank within seven hours of being hit.
Over 1,400 men were aboard; tragically, nearly 1,000 lives were lost in the icy waters.
This catastrophic event underscored the vulnerabilities of even the mightiest vessels and marked a significant turning point in the Pacific theater. The loss of the Shinano was both a tactical and symbolic defeat, reshaping the balance of naval power during World War II.
9. A World Record That Still Stands
To this day, the USS Archerfish holds the record for sinking the largest warship by a submarine in combat.
This achievement has become a legendary benchmark in naval history, celebrated for its audacity and precision.
The Archerfish crew’s daring feat remains unrivaled, a testament to their skill and courage. This world record continues to inspire new generations of submariners, embodying the spirit of naval warfare innovation and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
10. Commander Enright’s Redemption
For his decisive actions and leadership, Commander Joseph F. Enright was awarded the Navy Cross.
This accolade transformed his narrative from a past marred by disappointment to one of heroic triumph. Enright’s redemption was complete, his name etched into the annals of naval history.
His story is a powerful reminder of resilience and second chances. From the shadow of failure, he emerged as a symbol of strategic genius, forever changing the course of naval warfare with his legendary command of the Archerfish.