January 20 1940 saw the commissioning of the Kagero class destroyer Yukikaze. Along with her sister ships Hatsukaze, Amatukaze, and Tokitukaze, she became part of the 16th destroyer division under the command of the light cruiser Jintsu. At the beginning of WWII, the 16th destroyer division was part of the force which captured the Philippines, and on December 5 1941, she took part in the fierce fighting with American forces near Palau and supported the invading forces at Legazpi. Afterwards, she saw action throughout the Pacific Ocean at the Dutch East Indies, Midway, Guadalcanal, and the Solomon Islands. Yukikaze also participated in the withdrawal of Guadalcanal,also participated in sea battles at the Marianas and the Leyte Gulf. Throughout WWII, the Yukikaze took part in numerous naval battles, escort duties, and supply runs, and always returned safely from each sortie. She was among the few Japanese warships and the only one of her class still operational at the end of the war, and can be called the "lucky destroyer." As part of the post-war reparation agreement, the Yukikaze was transferred to the Republic of China, and in 1966 she became a reserve training ship.
Following running aground during s typhoon in 1970 attempts were made to retun Yukikaze to Japan as a museum ship. While this proved unsuccessul her rudder and one anchor were returned for display in Japan.
Parts are included to build a waterline or full hull model with the ability to rotate the guns and torpedo tubes after assembly. ABS has been used for the masts for extra strength and photo etches are supplied for ladders and radar antennae. Display stand for full hull model included.