In 1938 Enterprise carried replacement crews to the China Station at a time of tension with Japan. The transport duty gave the cruiser a legitimate reason to enter the region while newer first-line ships were still too few. Her presence added another large light cruiser capable of responding to a surface raider without making an overt threat the mission's declared purpose. Routine naval movement could therefore serve reinforcement and deterrence at the same time.
Notable Point · 13:22-13:54
Crew transport as quiet Far East reinforcement
Enterprise's 1938 voyage carrying crews to China also placed another large light cruiser in the region without presenting the movement as a direct challenge to Japan.