Clear weather made the American ships easier to see from above, but Merrill judged that one unidentified aircraft had not yet compromised the force. A Black Cat later reported two fast Japanese ships through a relay from Guadalcanal, and the American command interpreted them as a possible interception force. Assuming hostile intent was prudent under uncertainty even though the ships were actually returning from supply duty. Later American accounts place more emphasis on a deliberate Japanese interception than the evidence supports. Merrill rejected a large course change that would require more radio traffic and instead increased speed enough to reach the firing line five minutes early. He also drafted a warning signal for use only after entering the gulf, preserving surprise and the bombardment schedule while preparing the formation to fight.
Notable Point · 2:33:45-2:49:02
Merrill treats uncertain contact as a threat without abandoning the mission
A Black Cat sighting created uncertainty about Japanese intentions, prompting small timing changes while Merrill preserved the mission and radio silence.