Japanese cruiser scouts find targets without exposing carriers

Cruiser-launched scouts separated the origin of reconnaissance from the carriers that would deliver the strike. An enemy following a scout home would be led toward the shadowing cruisers rather than the carrier force. The carriers could then attack from another direction using contact reports passed by the scouts. This arrangement supported dispersed but closely coordinated formations contributing to cumulative attacks. Losing one small formation was intended to be less damaging than losing a concentrated force. Numerous vice-admiral commands helped organize the close cooperation expected of these separate groups. Reconnaissance supplied targeting information while reducing the risk of revealing carrier positions.