JDS Mikuma (DE-217) was the third ship of the Chikugo-class destroyer escorts of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

JDS Mikuma
History
Japan
Name
  • Mikuma
  • (みくま)
NamesakeMikuma
Ordered1968
BuilderMitsui, Osaka
Laid down17 March 1970
Launched16 February 1971
Commissioned26 August 1971
Decommissioned8 July 1997
HomeportSasebo
IdentificationPennant number: DE-217
FateScrapped
General characteristics
Class and typeChikugo-class destroyer escort
Displacement1,700–1,800 long tons (1,727–1,829 t) full load
Length93.0 m (305 ft 1 in)
Beam10.8 m (35 ft 5 in)
Draught3.5 m (11 ft 6 in)
Depth7.0 m (23 ft 0 in)
Propulsion
Speed25 knots (46 km/h; 29 mph)
Range5,500 nmi (10,200 km; 6,300 mi) at 20 kn (37 km/h; 23 mph)
Complement165
Sensors and
processing systems
  • TDS-1 Target Designation System
  • OPS-14 2D air search radar
  • OPS-17 surface search radar
  • FCS-1B gun FCS
  • OQS-3A bow sonar
  • SQS-35(J) VDS
  • SFCS-4 Underwater Battery FCS
Electronic warfare
& decoys
NOLR-5 ESM
Armament

Development and design

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The Chikugo class was designed as the modified variant of the Isuzu class, the preceding destroyer escort class. The main anti-submarine (ASW) weapon was changed from the M/50 375 mm (14.8 in) ASW rocket launcher to the ASROC anti-submarine missile. The octuple launcher for ASROC was stationed at the mid-deck, and the entire ship design was prescribed by this stationing.[1]

Construction and career

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Mikuma was laid down on 17 March 1970 at Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding, Osaka and launched on 16 February 1971. The vessel was commissioned on 26 August 1971 into the 34th Escort Corps of the Sasebo District Force with JDS Chikugo.

She joined the 23rd Sasebo District Force Escort Corps on March 24, 1997.

Mikuma was decommissioned on 8 JUly 1997 with the total itinerary during commissioning of 501,738.1 nautical miles.[2]

References

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  1. ^ Abe, Yasuo (May 2003). "Looking back on Chikugo class escort vessels". Ships of the World (in Japanese) (610). Kaijinn-sha: 92–97.
  2. ^ News Flash, Ships of the World, No. 531. Gaijinsha. November 1997. p. 64.