Sea control must enable action ashore

The claim that Japan won Santa Cruz because American carriers withdrew depends on what Japan could do afterward. Remaining at sea was useful only if it enabled the movement of troops and supplies or supported a successful landing. The comparison with Jutland rests on Britain's ability to use its continuing sea control, whereas Japan failed to exploit its temporary advantage at Guadalcanal. In this assessment, a draw or a costly result for both sides is more convincing than an uncomplicated Japanese victory. Once the campaign became a sustained ground operation, Army formations could relieve the Marines. That freed specialist amphibious troops to prepare for another landing while the Army took over the established position and its supply requirements.