At the opening of the Pacific War, A5Ms still served on smaller carriers and at South Seas and rear-area bases. During Enterprise's February 1942 Marshall Islands strikes, they engaged American aircraft and shot down SBD Dauntless dive bombers. At the Battle of the Coral Sea, two A5Ms joined four A6Ms in the fighter defense of Shōhō and tried unsuccessfully to save their carrier. The type remained available for later combat and kamikaze use even after its theoretical retirement date. Operational need repeatedly overrode the formal replacement plan.
Chapter · 57:23-59:42
A5Ms fought from rear bases to the Battle of the Coral Sea
Despite nominal retirement, A5Ms remained in combat during the 1942 Marshall Islands raids, Shoho's defense, and later kamikaze operations.