Kaiten: Japan’s WWII Human Torpedo

Upcoming online presentation

Kaiten being launched

Please join Mike Mair on Sunday 21 March as he presents his intriguing insights behind the story of Japan’s WWII human torpedo – Kaiten.

On 20 November 1944 the USS Mississinewa (AO-59), a 553ft Fleet Replenishment Oiler filled with over 400,000 gallons of aviation fuel, is struck by a Japanese Kaiten manned torpedo. The massive explosion and fire claimed 64 lives – including the Japanese pilot.

Mike Mair, author of KAITEN
Mike Mair

Mike Mair’s father, John, served aboard the ship and survived its sinking. Mike has dedicated years of his life researching the astounding story behind the ship’s fate.

His book KAITEN, is an unbiased chronology that follows the events, from both sides of the conflict, leading up to the fateful attack. The book also discusses the US Navy’s efforts to stabilize the wreck and remove the remaining fuel in the years following, thereby preventing a major environmental disaster in the pristine waters of Ulithi.

Join Mike on Sunday 21 March as he presents his intriguing insights behind the story of “Kaiten: Japan’s WWII Human Torpedo That Stunned the U.S. Navy.”

The presentation is hosted as a Winter Lyceum by The Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums, for more information please see below link.

https://www.facebook.com/events/322249012456315/

About Lars McKie 73 Articles
An ordinary Swede with a passion for history and just grateful to be given the chance to participate and contribute to the project.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.