Mikawa commanded Aoba, Chokai, and Kirishima before promotion to rear admiral in 1936. He then served as Second Fleet chief of staff and worked with the naval general staff and Imperial General Headquarters. Further cruiser and battleship squadron commands continued a career centered on major surface combatants. Promotion to vice admiral in November 1940 placed him at the level associated with trusted independent command.
Chapter · 14:31-15:53
Staff and sea commands prepare Mikawa for independence
Cruiser commands, Second Fleet staff work, Imperial Headquarters duty, and squadron leadership deliberately prepared Mikawa for independent flag command.