The night action at Blackett Strait in March 1943 placed two Japanese destroyers on a supply run against a much stronger American force. Rear Admiral Merrill had three Cleveland-class light cruisers, Montpelier, Cleveland, and Denver, with three Fletcher-class destroyers. The Japanese aim was to deliver supplies to their base and withdraw quickly. Their encounter with the American force produced an early US victory during the 1943 fighting.
Notable Point · 4:20:30-4:22:07
Blackett Strait: a supply run meets a cruiser force
Two Japanese destroyers on a supply mission encounter three American light cruisers and three destroyers.