Suggested battle locations included the western base, the island chain, and the coast of Japan. Despite those differences, planners agreed that the Japanese main body would not challenge the American fleet during its phase-two Pacific crossing. A movement to a prepared base, favoured by the Guam lobby, was considered one way to draw the enemy out. Confidence also extended to a secret rendezvous in Micronesia or on the high seas. Yet destruction of the fleet train was acknowledged as a danger that could force a humiliating retreat and perhaps cost the United States the war. American planners did not develop a mid-ocean battle hypothesis until 1941.
Notable Point · 6:09-7:07
War Plan Orange and the exposed fleet train
American planners disagreed about where the fleet battle would occur while assuming Japan would leave the Pacific crossing and its vulnerable support ships largely unchallenged.