Hatakaze-class destroyer

The Hatakaze class of guided missile destroyer is a third generation vessel in service with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). They were the first of the JMSDF's ships to have gas-turbine propulsion.

The core weapon suite is similar to that of the Tachikaze-class destroyer, but various improvements were made in many areas. Most notable are those that allow the Hatakaze class to function as a group flagship. Normally this duty resides with the DDH class, but in case of a DDH being absent due to repairs, accident, or battle damage, the Hatakaze design allows for it to function as a command ship.

Hatakaze destroyers operate the OYQ-4-1 type tactical control system. Its weapon systems include the standard missile surface-to-air missile, anti-submarine rockets, the RGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile, two Mark 15 20 mm CIWS gun mounts, two torpedo mounts in a triple tube configuration and two 5 inch/54 caliber Mark 42 rapid-fire guns.

[edit] Namesakes
The name Shimakaze was also shared by an Imperial Japanese Navy destroyer of 3048 tons, built at Maizuru Shipywards in Japan. She was completed in May 1943, being extremely large and fast, with a very heavy torpedo armament. Shimakaze was sunk by U.S. Navy carrier-based aircraft in the Philippines area on 11 November 1944.