If American forces intercepted Operation Kita

What if American carrier aircraft, supported by fast battleships, intercepted the Operation Kita force?

The Japanese force is expected to be destroyed, with surprise at close range raised only as a narrow qualification.

Carrier aircraft backed by fast battleships are expected to overwhelm Ise, Hyuga, and their escorts. The scenario explicitly concerns the ships after their aviation conversions. Complete surprise at very short range is raised as a narrow qualification, without changing the overall judgment. American forces also have no obligation to accept a surface battle if aircraft can do the job. Surface ships become more relevant if air support cannot arrive in time to protect another force, or if the encounter occurs at night.