The 5 March reconnaissance found Saratoga, four Essex-class carriers, three Independence-class carriers, seven escort carriers, and four unidentified ships at Ulithi. The C6N survived interception by three P-38 Lightnings, but the sighting confirmed the scale of the intended target. Bad weather delayed the H8K pathfinders on 11 March, and the Ginga launch fell behind schedule. Within hours, five aircraft had turned back and three had crashed, reducing the force before it approached the target.
Chapter · 36:04-39:22
Reconnaissance of Ulithi and a fragile launch
A C6N reconnaissance flight identified carriers at Ulithi, but bad weather and engine failures began dismantling the strike force on departure.