The fighter launch came too late to intercept the approaching bombers, and the pilots had not received the full tactical preparation needed for night combat. Multiple radar contacts, navigation lights, and recognition signals then confused identification as the fleet opened fire in darkness. Three Hellcats cleared the formation, but the fourth crossed low over the ships and was shot down by friendly guns. Vian responded with intensive night training, and within days most of the force was described as fully night capable, despite complaints from pilots about lost sleep.
Notable Point · 2:10:54-2:13:45
A fatal night interception forces rapid fleet-wide training
Confused radar contacts and incomplete night preparation lead the fleet to shoot down one of its own Hellcats during a predawn attack.