Voice is still a bit rough, but I did the best I could with what I have.
Now, Kumano is an interesting case. Sometimes called a ship with nine lives, she actually had a pretty easy career for the most part. Light duty, very little damage, and generally a quiet time of things. All of which came crashing down, over the course of a month.
First her bow was blown off. Then she was subjected to air attack. Then yet more damage and yet more air attacks.
A conga line of every American attack short of running into a shore battery or a battleship. When it reaches the point that Bull Halsey, of all people, reportedly felt sorry for her?
You know things got bad.
Mikuma Video:
https://youtu.be/JOXY-1kH4Eg
Mogami Video:
https://youtu.be/9dxT0c-G8HM
Further Reading:
http://www.combinedfleet.com/atully04.htm
https://www.amazon.com/Warships-Imperial-Japanese-Navy-1869-1945/dp/087021893X/
https://www.amazon.com/Japanese-Cruisers-Pacific-Eric-Croix/dp/0870213113/
https://www.amazon.com/Battle-History-Imperial-Japanese-1941-1945/dp/1591142199/