Midway timing in Sea Battles in Close-Up

Sea Battles in Close-Up presents Midway as a close-run battle, placing particular weight on Tone's delayed scout and Nagumo's decision to rearm aircraft for another attack on the island. In that interpretation, a few minutes separated the Japanese force from launching a strike that might have changed the outcome. The book contrasts Nagumo's concern for recovering his returning aircraft with Spruance's willingness to launch at extreme range. It also argues that the surviving American carriers prevented Japan's battleships from bringing their strength into action.