Japanese minelayer Hatsutaka

Hatsutaka (初鷹, "Years First Hawk")^[1] was the lead vessel in the Hatsutaka-class of medium-sized minelayers of the Imperial Japanese Navy, which was in service during World War II. She was designed as an improved version of Shirataka anti-submarine netlayer. However, during the Pacific War, due to the critical shortage of escort patrol ships, she was fitted with depth charge racks, her minelaying rails were removed, and she was used primarily for convoy escort duties.

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese minelayer Hatsutaka