Ten Japanese destroyers entered Kula Gulf with 2,400 troops and supplies, while poor visibility prevented American Black Cat aircraft from locating them. The radar-equipped Japanese flagship detected Ainsworth's force first as the transport destroyers continued unloading. American radar then found the escort group and the destroyers racing to reinforce it. Ainsworth formed line ahead with destroyers screening both ends and planned to defeat the two contacts in sequence, setting up a radar-directed gunnery attack but leaving the formation exposed to torpedoes.
Chapter · 1:21:15-1:24:45
Radar contact sets the Battle of Kula Gulf in motion
Ten Japanese destroyers carrying troops met Ainsworth's cruiser force in poor visibility, with radar substituting for aircraft that could not locate the enemy.