Indomitable was already due in the Eastern Fleet, while Renown was fast, available, and fitted as a flagship. Vice Admiral Neville Syfret fits the assignment because he was trusted, available, and experienced in leading major carrier operations. His three-star rank also avoids placing a junior officer over the other Allied flag officers gathered in ABDA. Phillips could then coordinate the theater from Singapore while Syfret commanded the multinational fleet at sea.
Chapter · 36:17-44:26
Indomitable, Renown, and Syfret reinforce the theater
January reinforcements create a fast carrier-capital-ship force under a dedicated at-sea commander.