American intelligence turns Japan's trap around

Both sides believed they were setting a trap, but the Americans knew more about the enemy plan and their own limitations. Pearl Harbor's rapidly expanded shipyard resources made Yorktown's emergency return possible even though much of the American wartime infrastructure was still being built. Fuel and tanker shortages continued to constrain what the fleet could attempt. Midway's relative proximity to Hawaii reduced that logistical burden and helped turn Japanese target selection to American advantage. The Americans could use their intelligence advantage because they had the repair and support resources to put a fleet into position.