Japanese destroyer Kuwa (1944)

Kuwa under air attacks during the battle of Leyte Gulf, 25 October 1944
History
Empire of Japan
NameKuwa
NamesakeMulberry
BuilderFujinagata Shipyards, Osaka
Laid down20 December 1943
Launched25 May 1944
Completed25 July 1944
Stricken10 February 1945
FateSunk by gunfire, 3 December 1944
General characteristics
Class & typeMatsu-class escort destroyer
Displacement1,282 t (1,262 long tons) (standard)
Length100 m (328 ft 1 in) (o/a)
Beam9.35 m (30 ft 8 in)
Draft3.3 m (10 ft 10 in)
Installed power
Propulsion2 shafts, 2 × geared steam turbines
Speed27.8 knots (51.5 km/h; 32.0 mph)
Range4,680 nmi (8,670 km; 5,390 mi) at 16 knots (30 km/h; 18 mph)
Complement210
Sensors &
processing systems
Armament

Kuwa (; "Mulberry") was one of 18 Matsu-class escort destroyers built for the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) during World War II. Completed in mid-1944, the ship played a minor role in the Battle off Cape Engaño in October and began escorting convoys the following month. She was sunk by American destroyers during the Battle of Ormoc Bay on 3 December.