The target shifted from Majuro to Ulithi, which by October 1944 had become the Pacific Fleet's main anchorage. Its vast lagoon, floating dry docks, and other facilities could support up to a thousand large ships. The carriers sat among supply ships, tugs, escorts, cruisers, destroyers, battleships, and other carriers rather than as isolated targets. A raid against 15 carriers was therefore an attack on a much larger and more resilient fleet system.
Chapter · 18:01-19:21
Ulithi as an overwhelming target
Ulithi's huge anchorage placed the carriers inside a fleet base crowded with escorts, warships, tugs, and support vessels.