Carriers, cruisers, and destroyers were frequently operating away from Pearl Harbor, a pattern that may reflect an effort to reduce their exposure. That possible choice fits contemporary expectations that bombs threatened lighter ships while torpedoes were especially dangerous to battleships. The claim about Kimmel's intent remains an interpretation rather than a supported quotation. Keeping ships at sea may increase survivability, but fuel and support limits made it far harder to do so with the battleships.
Notable Point · 33:04-35:12
Why the carriers and cruisers were often at sea
Kimmel may have tried to keep mobile ships away from Pearl Harbor when fuel and operations allowed, although this remains an inference without documented proof.