Hornet becomes a bomber ferry under Enterprise's protection

Sixteen B-25s were tied down on Hornet's flight deck in launch order. Until they left, Hornet could neither fly nor recover its own air group and functioned primarily as a bomber ferry. Blimp L-8 delivered late modification parts after the carrier had sailed, an unusual but effective low-threat logistics mission. Enterprise supplied the formation's fighter protection while the combined force maintained radio silence and communicated by flags and flashing light. Fleet oilers completed a final refueling before withdrawing with the destroyers, leaving the carriers and cruisers to make the final high-speed approach.