Shōkaku was the lead ship of her class of two aircraft carriers built for the Imperial Japanese Navy shortly before the Pacific War. Along with her sistership Zuikaku, she took part in several key nav
Shōkaku upon completion, 23 August 1941
Shōkaku being launched in heavy rain at Yokosuka, 1 June 1939.
The twenty-eight chief shipbuilders of Shōkaku pose at the ship's prow prior to launching (30 May 1939).
Shōkaku preparing to launch D3A "Val" dive bombers during the attack on Pearl Harbor, 7 December 1941
Zuikaku was the second and last Shōkaku-class aircraft carrier built for the Imperial Japanese Navy shortly before the beginning of the Pacific War. Zuikaku was one of the most modern Japanese aircraf
Zuikaku anchored off Kobe upon her commissioning, 25 September 1941
Zuikaku in November 1941
Zuikaku (right) and the aircraft carrier Kaga preparing to attack Pearl Harbor, 7 December 1941
Zuikaku preparing to launch D3A "Val" dive bombers and A6M "Zero" fighters during the Indian Ocean Raid, 5 April 1942