The scenario assumes the modern carrier would face only the first Japanese strike wave before destroying the attacking carrier force and its aircraft. Nimitz could then use her speed to cross the Pacific and intercept the invasion of the Philippines. Preserving the Philippines while eliminating Japan's carriers would also threaten the offensive toward Malaya. Removing one operational hinge could unravel a coordinated campaign rather than merely change a single battle.
Notable Point · 2:33:50-2:35:06
How Nimitz could unravel Japan's opening offensive
After defeating the Pearl Harbor strike force, a modern carrier could race west to disrupt the Philippine invasion and undermine Japan's wider offensive timetable.