By the time Japanese carriers were lost, much of their trained air strength had already disappeared; losing oilers further reduced the fleet's ability to supply and move whatever survived. The American replenishment force could remain away from the battle line and continue supporting Task Force 58. Logistics protection therefore widened the operational gap after the shooting stopped.
Notable Point · 2:38:50-2:40:50
Tanker losses cut Japanese fleet mobility
The loss and damage of Japanese oilers is presented as a deeper operational blow than the carrier hull losses alone.