Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:23:10-1:23:42

An alerted battle should still be decided by carriers

A surface engagement would favor the American battle line, but Japan's larger carrier force makes an air strike the expected method of attack.

Carrier WarfareImperial Japanese NavyLine Of BattlePearl HarborUS Navy
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Question

Would an alerted American fleet fight Kido Butai in a surface gun battle?

Short answer

Probably not; Japan would rely on its carrier advantage, because a direct gunfight with the American battle line would be unfavorable.

Notes

A battleship gunfight would go badly for Japan, so Nagumo should avoid allowing the battle lines to meet. The Imperial Japanese Navy held the carrier advantage at this date and would try to decide the engagement through air strikes. A surface engagement favored the American battle line. Japan's operational preference would be to keep the fleets apart and use its larger carrier force.