With Lexington and Yorktown potentially available after Coral Sea, the scenario sends four fleet carriers to the next battle instead of three. Japanese estimates might still overstate the damage inflicted on the American carriers. Two task groups could each contain two carriers and two Alaskas. The heavy-cruiser force could rise from seven to about eleven or more, including the four Alaskas, with light cruisers retained and possibly more destroyers available. Even this stronger force is still assumed to lose a fleet carrier. The added ships change the operations the formation can attempt without fixing the battle's detailed course.
Chapter · 1:14:41-1:16:19
Four carriers at Midway still face losses
If Lexington and Yorktown return after Coral Sea, the Midway scenario fields four American carriers with Alaska escorts, while still assuming the loss of a fleet carrier.