Enterprise, Saratoga, and clearing the decks

Enterprise faced roughly 250-kg bombs, lighter than weapons used in some other carrier attacks, which qualifies comparisons of the damage she survived. Enterprise and Saratoga launched their remaining aircraft before the attack to reduce the fuel and fire hazards aboard. Aircraft with enough fuel were sent north to attack any Japanese ships they found; others could circle outside the fighting. Fifty-three Wildcats were airborne, but immature radar identification and fighter-control procedures meant few intercepted the Japanese dive bombers before their attack. Enterprise took three bomb hits, including a penetrating bomb that exploded below the waterline and another that ignited ready-use ammunition for a 5-inch gun. A third bomb exploded on contact and opened an approximately 10-foot hole in the flight deck without causing further damage. Organized repair parties restored flight operations about an hour after the engagement. A second Japanese wave failed to find the American formation because of communication problems, giving the damaged carrier relief from another attack.