Exercise 74 in Fleet Problem XIX tested coordinated air attacks against a formation intended to maximize fleet air defense. The proposed disposition placed the fleet train centrally, battleships forward, and carriers to the rear. The carriers were not actually included in the formation during this exercise. In practice, tying carriers to the battle line limited the room they needed both to evade attack and operate aircraft. Lexington, Saratoga, Ranger, and patrol aircraft delivered fifteen waves over roughly two hours. The attacks received praise for coordination, but squadron withdrawals were less successful and assessments of anti-aircraft fire ranged from enthusiasm to calls for further practice.
Notable Point · 1:00:15-1:01:49
Fleet Problem XIX tests massed air attacks
Fifteen air-attack waves tested fleet air defense; the defending formation omitted carriers despite assigning them positions in the proposed disposition.