Ching Lee in carrier command

What would have happened if Vice Admiral Willis Lee had responsibility for the air side of the engagement?

In Spruance's role Lee probably changes little; in Mitscher's role he might push earlier strikes, but his fit depends on whether he is acting as operational commander or carrier-force commander.

The answer depends on which job Lee receives. In Spruance's higher operational role, he probably changes little. In Mitscher's carrier-force role, Lee may have been aggressive enough to launch strikes early, though he was not primarily a carrier admiral. The exchange separates operational command, carrier tactical command, and battleship leadership in the U.S. structure.