after looking it up, the order at which they were laid down/launched somewhat matches the ordering of hierarchy of the School Life Club.
Furutaka laid 5 December 1922/launched February 1925 Kako 5 December 1922/April 1925 Aoba January 1924/September 1926 Kinugasa October 1924/October 1926
Yuri is a third year and she's the one who generally devises their plans and keeps tab of their resources. Kurumi's a third year and carries out the plans laid out. Also in charge of their security. Yuki is also a third year, but she generally leaves decisions to Yuri and Kurumi. Miki is the only second year in the group, and typically assists the others.
Also
Kako also was the first to sink, which is sort of what happens with Kurumi.
