
NEW YORK -- On Aug. 30, 1945, the vice admiral in charge of Japan's Yokosuka Naval Base surrendered his command to the Allies, enabling the U.S. Navy and Marines to occupy berths and dry docks of the sprawling Imperial Navy shipyard.
Especially enticing for the Americans was Dry Dock 6, the 360-meter-plus behemoth where the Japanese wartime aircraft carrier Shinano was constructed.