The Americans expected Japanese carriers to support another attempt against Henderson Field. Nimitz replaced South Pacific commander Robert Ghormley because he regarded him as too pessimistic about the campaign. His assessment emphasized the resources on the way and Japan's greater rate of losses, even though the United States had not yet secured victory. William Halsey brought a more aggressive approach and a commitment to supporting the forces at the front. Kinkaid remained an important part of the command arrangement. The Americans intended to use mobility and concealment at sea to strike a force they expected to outnumber them.
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Halsey replaces Ghormley before Santa Cruz
Nimitz replaced Ghormley with Halsey to sustain an aggressive campaign while American resources were still arriving.