Is there a historic background to this or is she referring to the scrapping of ships for missions?

On 24 October 1944 at the Battle of the Surigao Strait, Akebono had to scuttle the cruiser Mogami after the latter was holed, burning and disabled. Akebono was able to save 700 men before sinking Mogami.

WestTxTapper said:

On 24 October 1944 at the Battle of the Surigao Strait, Akebono had to scuttle the cruiser Mogami after the latter was holed, burning and disabled. Akebono was able to save 700 men before sinking Mogami.

Thank you for that