Answering for Atrocities

Answering for Atrocities 

In the post–World War II Pacific, the U.S. Navy used rigorous legal standards to see justice served in the wake of Japanese war crimes.
 

By Michael Eastman
 

February 2026 Naval History 

Conservationists Working to Recover WWII Torpedo Plane from Pacific Sea Floor

Conservationists Working to Recover WWII Torpedo Plane from Pacific Sea Floor

The U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command and the Air and Sea Heritage Foundation are working to recover Bureau Number 1515, a Douglas TBD-1 Devastator submerged off Jaluit Atoll in the Marshall Islands, the conservation organizations announced Friday. The TBD-1 Devastator was the Navy’s first carrier-based all-metal plane with a singular pair of foldable wings for carrier stowage. The aircraft, which was the most modern at the time, played a critical role during the opening months of the Pacific campaign, including the Battles of the Coral Sea and Midway. 

Kawanishi H8K "Emily"

Kawanishi H8K1 (Allied code name “Emily”) prototype prior to hull modifications, in natural metal finish.

The Kawanishi H8K is a flying boat used by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service during World War II for maritime patrol duties. The Allied reporting name for the type was "Emily".

The Kawanishi H8K was a large, four-engine aircraft designed for long range and extended endurance on patrols or bombing missions typically flown alone over the ocean. The prototype first flew in January 1941, and H8K1s made their first combat sortie in March 1942. The robust H8K2 "Emily" flying boat was also fitted with powerful defensive armament, for which Allied pilots had substantial respect wherever this aircraft was encountered in the Pacific theater. Aircraft historian René Francillon called the H8K "the most outstanding water-based combat aircraft of the Second World War."

Kawanishi H8K2 “Emily,” 951st Naval Air Corps, 2 July 1944. ASV radar on nose.

Kawanishi H8K “Emily.”

Captured Kawanishi H8K2 “Emily” during testing in the U.S. taxiing on Patuxent River.

Kawanishi H8K2-L Seiku transport version, Yokosuka Chinjufu Naval Air Corps, on beaching dolly. This particular aircraft was originally the H8K1 prototype.

Kawanishi H8K2 “Emily” with ASV radar aerials visible on side of nose.

Captured Kawanishi H8K2 “Emily” at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Maryland.

Captured Kawanishi H8K2 “Emily” at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Maryland.

Captured Kawanishi H8K2 “Emily” at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Maryland.

Kawanishi H8K1 “Emily.”

Captured Kawanishi H8K2 “Emily” at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Maryland.

Kawanishi H8K2-L Seiku transport.

 

Kawanishi H8K (Emily) Japanese Naval Air Service.

 

Kawanishi H8K prototype.