Zero Fighter - From Flagship Akagi to Pearl Harbor Attack

The U.S. Navy's Historical Center provides background information on this captured Japanese photograph.  It features a departing "Zero" fighter plane:

A Japanese Navy "Zero" fighter (tail code A1-108) takes off from the aircraft carrier Akagi, on its way to attack Pearl Harbor during the morning of 7 December 1941.

Note: This image is frequently reproduced with the plane taking off toward the right. The orientation shown here, with the plane headed toward the left, is correct.

Click on the image for a larger view.

Credits

U.S. Navy Photo # NH 50603.

Information on the photo from the U.S. Navy's Historical Center.

Photo, U.S. National Archives.