Q&A · 1:28:53-1:29:36

How Admiral Cunningham might have pressed the Pearl Harbor attack

Cunningham's willingness to accept calculated risk suggests a tighter carrier formation and a possible third wave against Pearl Harbor.

Question

What might Admiral Cunningham have done differently if he commanded the Japanese Pearl Harbor strike?

Short answer

He might keep the carriers closer together and, if the risk looked justified, launch the third wave rather than withdraw after two attacks.

Notes

The question transfers Admiral Andrew Cunningham from Taranto to command Japan's Pearl Harbor force. The carriers would probably operate more closely together rather than divide into widely separated groups. Cunningham could not reproduce a night attack with the Japanese force as configured, but he might accept the calculated risk of a third wave. The comparison focuses on command appetite and force handling rather than assuming that one admiral could recreate Taranto on a larger target.