Scouting and intercepted orders in Fleet Problem IX

Blue aircraft, destroyers, and cruisers made intermittent contact with Black's striking force west of Panama. Black then intercepted and deciphered an order for Blue destroyers to concentrate for a night attack. The striking force adopted a defensive formation, although the destroyers ultimately did not attack. Meanwhile Saratoga and Omaha, operating separately near the Galapagos, moved north at high speed after learning that Blue had located Black's striking force. Information about the main fleets therefore shaped both defensive preparations and the detached carrier's approach.