The ABDA conference shown here lacks a British naval officer while the Royal Navy reorganizes after Force Z's loss. With Admiral Tom Phillips present, the combined American, British, Dutch, and Australian command would include the head of the Eastern Fleet and its strongest task force. That fleet contains ships beyond Prince of Wales and Repulse, giving the coalition a force around which to organize. Their survival changes both the naval representation at the conference and the resources available for joint planning. Japanese air power remains dangerous, so assembling the fleet would also require measures to address its vulnerabilities.
Chapter · 7:34-9:34
Tom Phillips reshapes ABDA command
A surviving Force Z puts Phillips and the Eastern Fleet at the center of ABDA's initial planning.