Character

Matsu

松

Matsu (Japanese 松, meaning: pine tree) was the lead ship of the Matsu-class destroyer of the Imperial Japanese Navy. She had a very short career: her sinking as she returned from her first escort mission occurred less than a year from laying her keel in 1943, and just over three months from her completion in 1944. The Matsus were built late in the Pacific War and were intended to be more cost-effective in response to the changing character of naval warfare at that time.[citation needed] These ships were lighter and smaller than previous Japanese destroyers, including different armament such as enhanced anti-aircraft guns and anti-submarine weapons, along with radar. Since surface warfare was believed to be less likely at this stage of the war, armament such as torpedo tubes that would be useful against surface ships was diminished. Gun mounts were open rather than turreted; this lack of protection for the gun crews would prove critical for Matsu.