Agrippa's trained fleet executes the plan

Antony's ships tried to support one another with archers and artillery as they recognized the danger, but Agrippa's crews were better organized for the chosen method of attack. Octavian had supplied the resources, while Agrippa turned them into a trained fleet able to execute a coherent tactical system. A defector had also delivered Antony's battle plan, allowing Octavian's side to prepare against both the ships and their intended movement. When Antony extended his line and sought a collision battle, Agrippa pulled farther seaward and kept outside the heavy ships' most useful range.