Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:36:00-1:36:37

Carrier early warning before the Philippine Sea

Earlier carrier-based warning aircraft could have detected the Japanese fleet sooner in June 1944, but only with doctrine adapted to use them.

Airborne Early WarningAircraft CarriersBattle of the Philippine SeaGrumman TBF AvengerJohn S. ThachNaval DoctrineUS Navy
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Question

Would large numbers of AEW Avengers on US carriers by June 1944 have helped with the late detection of the Japanese fleet?

Short answer

Yes, provided the carrier air groups also developed doctrine to integrate the warning information into fighter operations.

Notes

An airborne early-warning version of the Avenger could provide earlier warning in the proposed June 1944 scenario. Carrier air group commanders would also need to change their doctrine to use it effectively. The expectation is that John Thach could devise a workable method, as he did with the Big Blue Blanket. His standing among carrier aviators would then help the method spread quickly across the force.