If Pearl Harbor had caught the carriers

How would the Pacific war change if the carriers had been at Pearl Harbor?

The war would likely last longer, with the United States in a much worse early position and greater pressure for British carrier support in the Far East.

Losing American carriers at Pearl Harbor would probably lengthen the Pacific war without changing its eventual outcome. The United States would begin with a much weaker force and seek greater British carrier support in the Far East. That demand could push Mediterranean operations into a lower priority. Saratoga, identified as being at San Diego, and probably Hornet would provide part of the remaining American force. The Eastern Fleet would face pressure to operate offensively and divert Japanese attention, extending its role beyond responding to threats in the Indian Ocean.