Destroyer Takanami

Takanami was a Yūgumo-class destroyer built by Uraga Dock Company, laid down 29 May 1941, launched 16 March 1942, and completed 31 August 1942. She participated in the Tokyo Express supply runs during the Guadalcanal campaign.

On 30 November 1942, at the Battle of Tassafaronga, Takanami served as the vanguard picket of Rear Admiral Tanaka's eight-destroyer force. When U.S. Task Force 67 detected the Japanese formation by radar and opened fire, Takanami was the nearest ship and drew the concentrated gunfire of the American cruiser line upon herself while launching her own torpedoes.

This gave the other seven Japanese destroyers, led by Naganami, the precious minutes needed to maneuver and launch their devastating Long Lance torpedo salvoes. Takanami was overwhelmed by gunfire from the heavy cruisers USS Minneapolis and USS New Orleans, chiefly Minneapolis, and sank south-southwest of Savo Island. Of her crew 197 were killed; 48 survivors reached Guadalcanal, where 19 were later captured by U.S. troops.

Her sacrifice enabled one of Japan's greatest destroyer victories: USS Northampton sunk, three other cruisers severely damaged. She is remembered as a symbol of self-sacrifice in battle.