Sakito Maru Class Auxiliary Transport

(SAKITO MARU, prewar)


In 1941, before the start of the Pacific War, SADO MARU was requisitioned by the Imperial Army and converted to a Boku Kikansen (anti-aircraft) vessel. Her sisters SAKITO, SAGAMI, SAKURA and SASAGO MARU served as IJA transports. SANUKI and SAGARA MARUs were requisitioned by the Imperial Navy and converted to seaplane tenders. In '42, both SAGARA and SANUKI MARUs were rerated as IJN transports. All seven SAKITO MARU-class ships were sunk by American forces during World War II.

Builders: Mitsubishi's Nagasaki and
Yokohama Dock Co. yards
Years Completed: SAKITO MARU: 1939
SANUKI MARU: 1939
SADO MARU: 1940
SAGAMI MARU: 1940
SAGARA MARU: 1940
SAKURA MARU: 1940
SASAGO MARU: 1941
Displacement: 7,126 to 7,189-tons.
Dimensions: 479' x 62' x 32'
Propulsion: 2 Mitsubishi-Sulzer diesels, 2 shafts, 16,600 shp.
Speed cruising speed 16 knots, maximum speed 19.5 knots.
Armament: Varies