The Japanese ships use their speed to disappear from the simulated American force. A 23-knot battle line would struggle to catch them without other means of finding and following the enemy. The American doctrinal explanation assigns carriers the scouting role associated with the Lexington battlecruisers. Once the enemy is located, the battle fleet can continue advancing until the opponent can no longer avoid engagement. Scouting therefore forms an essential part of the proposed use of the slower battleships.
Notable Point · 1:03:42-1:04:37
Carrier scouting for a slow American battle line
Carriers inherit the Lexington battlecruisers' scouting role in an American approach that accepts a slower battle line.