The strike force approached from the north rather than using the more direct route American defenders expected. The longer track traded speed for a lower chance of detection because American attention focused on a direct approach. Lexington lay well to the southwest, and Enterprise was close enough that her aircraft movements created real danger without bringing the carrier under attack. The moment covers Japanese operational security and the contingency behind the absence of American carriers from the harbor.
Notable Point · 16:52-20:16
The northern approach and missing American carriers
The Japanese northern route reduced detection risk, while Enterprise and Lexington narrowly avoided the strike area.