The two ships of the Shōkaku-class (Shōkaku and Zuikaku) were used with extreme effectiveness in many engagements within the Pacific theatre. Starting at Pearl Harbor, the role of honour includes sinking the British carrier HMS Hermes and aiding in the destruction of the USS Lexington and USS Hornet, among others.

The Shōkaku herself was eventually struck by a US submarine during the Battle of the Philippine Sea and was sunk after an onboard bomb detonated from the resulting fires. Zuikaku was lost to no less than seven aerial torpedoes and nine bomb hits during the Battle of Cape Engano.