American analysts mistook the high-speed shuttle between Buin and Guadalcanal for reinforcement traffic, so Japan's 9 February announcement of withdrawal came as a surprise. Major General Alexander Patch reported that organized resistance had ended after the American ground forces joined. Guadalcanal's fall did not finish the Solomons campaign. Japan concentrated more heavily around Buin and Shortland while aircraft continued to operate from Munda and Vila. Shortland lay farther from Henderson Field and closer to Rabaul, making it a safer candidate for a defensive base.
Chapter · 1:24:14-1:25:47
Guadalcanal's evacuation shifted Japanese strength north
Tokyo Express runs evacuated Guadalcanal while Japan concentrated its remaining Solomons strength around Buin, Shortland, Munda, and Vila.