The Americans landed where the Japanese Army was less strongly positioned, leaving ships and aircraft as the immediate means of counterattack. Troop transports were ordered away at 18:00 after unloading, although four partially unloaded cargo vessels remained. Minelayers were also withdrawn to reduce the number of vulnerable ships in the area. Unloading restricts a ship's freedom to maneuver: moving offshore can make its position less predictable, but slower transfer prolongs exposure and gives an enemy more time to respond. The troop transports had been sailing for roughly six hours before the American surface force moved to intercept the approaching Japanese ships. Reconnaissance had detected the Japanese force, and an American air attack struck Haguro at 01:30. Her damage limited the formation's maximum speed unless the other ships abandoned her.
Chapter · 49:49-56:23
Fast unloading reduced the ships exposed at the beachhead
The troop transports left before Japan's surface force arrived, though cargo unloading continued, and an air attack on Haguro restricted the approaching formation's speed.