Ryunosuke Kusaka brought aviation expertise to his position as Kido Butai's chief of staff. He led the development of the air attack with Genda and other experienced aviation officers. Planning the fleet's route and movements was a related task handled by the naval side of the staff organization. Kusaka would then help execute the air plan under Nagumo's command. Aviation experience was desirable at the top, but Japanese vice admirals were expected to command mixed forces regardless of their original specialty.
Notable Point · 36:13-38:31
Kusaka's air plan and the fleet's separate movement plan
Kusaka and aviation specialists developed the air attack, while other staff work determined how the carrier force would reach its launch position.