The Chitose-Class ships were the last 2 Japanese auxiliaries to be converted into light carriers, originally beginning life as high-speed sea plane carriers.
Description[]
Chitose's conversion began in January 1943 and was completed a year later. Her sister ship Chiyoda was converted in only 10 months. Aircraft capacity was the same as the Zuiho class at 30 and the 2 ship classes often worked in conjunction. The ships were fitted with thirty 25mm guns carried in 10 triple mounts. Later in the war another 6 triple mounts were added increasing the total to 48.
History[]
Chiyoda conducted 2 urgent aircraft ferry missions during March and April 1944, Both ships were assigned to "Van Force" during Philippine Sea where they were to act as a diversion to the main carrier fleet, they were escorted by the most powerful surface units. However, the Chiyoda only suffered a single bomb hit during the battle. At Leyte Gulf, both ships were attacked by USN carrier aircraft on October 25. Chitose was hit by 3 torpedoes and sank within an hour. Chiyoda was hit by 4 bombs and later came under fire from USN surface forces and was sunk with no survivors.
References[]
Stille Mark E., The Imperial Japanese Navy In the Pacific War, (Oxford, Osprey, 2013) 82-83