The communication failure is explained as a difference in what the services meant by air support. The Navy wanted to know whether fighters were available, while the Air Force interpreted the request as one for strike aircraft. Under that interpretation, a negative reply failed to convey the availability of fighter protection. In the counterfactual, clearer questions and answers allow Force Z to use that support, with even a modest fighter presence threatening Japanese aircraft operating near the limit of their endurance.
Notable Point · 3:45:18-3:46:35
Force Z and the ambiguity of asking for air support
An interpretation of Force Z's communications failure distinguishes the Navy's request for fighters from the Air Force's understanding of strike support.