Q&A ยท 24:25-24:45

How far Wake Island relief planning advanced

The US Navy had selected forces and begun assembling logistics for Wake Island, but had not yet executed the relief operation.

Question

How advanced were the plans to relieve Wake Island before it fell?

Short answer

The force and logistics were being assembled, but the operation had not progressed beyond preparation.

Notes

The plan was advanced for an operation that had not yet begun. The force composition had been worked out and supplies were being brought together. What remained was the decisive transition from planning and concentration to execution. A mature relief scheme could therefore still be halted before producing battlefield effects.