Saratoga

Overview

Saratoga is a fleet aircraft carrier ship-girl in Kantai Collection, based on the second vessel of the United States Navy's Lexington-class aircraft carriers. Introduced as the game's first American fleet carrier through a limited-time event and later made craftable via Large-Scale Construction, she is characterized by her polite, refined demeanor and impressive physical presence. As one of the fleet's premier heavy carriers, she possesses exceptional aircraft handling capabilities and plays a crucial role in naval engagements.

Appearance

She features gentle facial features, blue eyes, and long brown hair styled in a side ponytail with a black highlight passing through her funnel-shaped hat, which bears a white E emblem. Her default attire consists of a sleeveless white dress, a red neckerchief with an anchor, red thigh-high stockings with garter straps, and white heels. Her primary rigging includes a Thompson M1928 submachine gun-styled flight deck held in her left hand, twin gun mounts at her hips, and extra drum magazines tucked beneath her broad skirt. Upgrades change her outfit to navy blue or dazzle camouflage patterns.

Personality

Saratoga displays a polite, gentle, and lady-like personality, approaching her duties with diligence and grace. While highly fluent in formal speech, she frequently exclaims in English when excited or moved. Beneath her soft and refined exterior lies a spirited nature; she eagerly participates in exercise battles and enjoys drinking alcohol during late-night celebrations. She is also a talented cook who loves preparing American dishes, such as turkey sandwiches and custom ice cream treats, to share with her fellow fleet members.

Abilities

Saratoga boasts high aircraft capacity and strong firepower from her base form, which holds 80 planes and can conduct night shelling without special equipment. Her Kai form increases total aircraft capacity to 90 while boosting durability, armor, and anti-aircraft attributes. Upon reaching Mk.II, she transforms into a Night Operation Aircraft Carrier, unleashing devastating night strikes when equipped with night fighters. Her alternative conversion, Mk.II Mod.2, turns her into an Armored Aircraft Carrier with a maximum capacity of 93 planes, allowing her to launch aircraft even when moderately damaged.

Background

Based on the historic United States Navy aircraft carrier of the same name, Saratoga entered the game as the final reward for the Autumn 2016 event. She later became obtainable through Large-Scale Construction when employing specific secretary ships such as Iowa or Kamoi. As her training progresses, she gains access to advanced refits: the night carrier form Mk.II and the armored carrier form Mk.II Mod.2, allowing admirals to adapt her capabilities to different tactical requirements.

Relationships

Saratoga shares a close bond with her fellow American ship Iowa, often joining her for late-night drinks despite teasing her off-season wardrobe choices. She maintains warm ties with Nagato, Sakawa, and Prinz Eugen—whom she affectionately addresses as Eugen—stemming from their shared post-war history. She views Japanese aircraft carriers Akagi and Kaga as respected rivals due to their shared history as heavy conversions. Additionally, she shares connections with Kamoi, who was built at the same shipyard, and Shokaku and Zuikaku, whom she once confused with friendly carriers.

Trivia

Her submachine gun-styled flight deck design draws inspiration from the Thompson submachine gun's prominence during the Prohibition era, the same historical period in which the real ship entered service. The E emblem on her funnel cap represents the Battle Effectiveness Award earned during naval maneuvers in 1938.