Cash-Loaded Fleet

Chapter 38 - Target Selection

"Discovered a surface strike force with six battleships as its main force."

"Discovered a fleet consisting of two battleships and ten other vessels. The battleships are of a new type."

"Discovered a mobile force centered around two aircraft carriers."

"Discovered two aircraft carriers accompanied by a dozen escort ships."

In response to the successive reports of enemy discoveries from the reconnaissance Type 0 attackers, an air of relief filled the flagship Shōkaku of the 3rd Air Fleet's bridge, despite the imminent fierce battle.

"Leaving aside the surface strike force, it's quite surprising that the mobile force is so close to Oahu," expressed Chief of Staff Yamada. Commander Kusaka shared the same sentiment.

Among the four identified American fleet groups, both of the two surface strike forces were positioned between 20 to 25 nautical miles northwest of Oahu. This was likely in preparation for a potential naval artillery attack on Oahu by the First Fleet. These two fleets were designated as B-1 and B-2, respectively, from the north.

In reality, the First Fleet had been conducting naval artillery bombardment on Midway during its advance. The primary purpose was to secure its rear safety. However, for the officers and men, it served as a live-fire exercise to boost morale before the decisive battle. In preparation for the actual battle, not many main gun shells were fired from the six battleships, roughly around 100 rounds each. But for Midway, it was as if it had been bombarded with over 600 tons of iron and gunpowder.

The US military must have somehow been monitoring this. They likely feared a similar scenario on Oahu. This fear influenced the positioning of the two surface strike forces. Though it was mere speculation, it was probably for such reasons.

On the other hand, the two identified enemy mobile forces were designated as A-1 and A-2, and they were both located in the southeast of Oahu. They formed a defensive position behind Oahu, an ideal location to protect vulnerable aircraft carriers. The question was the distance to Oahu. It was too close, and therefore, they were completely within the attack range of Japanese carrier-based aircraft.

"Perhaps they placed immense trust in Oahu's fighter squadron. Even if they were within our carrier-based aircraft's range, they probably believed that Oahu's fighter squadron would surely intercept us."

Chief of Staff Yamada nodded in agreement with Kusaka's inference.

According to the fighter squadron of the 1st Air Fleet which had carried out the air raid on Oahu, they had faced attacks from 70 to 80 enemy fighters, spanning three waves of attacks. Furthermore, there was a fourth wave consisting of 40 to 50 enemy fighters. This indicated that Oahu was equipped with at least 250 to 300 aircraft, if not more. However, these aircraft were dispatched sequentially, making it difficult to leverage their numerical superiority.

"Now it comes down to the allocation of the attack squadrons. It depends on what decision Commander Ozawa makes."

Ozawa, leading the 2nd Air Fleet, and Kusaka, commanding the 3rd Air Fleet, have each planned to send out attack groups in two waves. From the perspective of concentrating firepower, simultaneous launches would be preferable. However, due to the lack of catapults on the Imperial Navy's regular carriers, they had no choice but to send them out in two waves. Just after Kusaka raised a question, the communication staff rushed in breathlessly.

"We've received orders from Commander Ozawa. Regarding the first wave, the 2nd Air Fleet will target A-1, while the 3rd Air Fleet will go for A-2. As for the second wave, the 2nd Air Fleet should choose either A-1 or A-2, while the 3rd Air Fleet should target B-2. Also, for the first wave, they are instructed to approach from the south after bypassing Oahu."

Ozawa's intent was immediately understood by Kusaka and Chief of Staff Yamada. The first wave would target the enemy mobile forces, each centered around two aircraft carriers. It was a fundamental strategy to strike the aircraft carriers before the battleships. Additionally, bypassing Oahu was likely to avoid engagement with the island's fighter squadron. The Zero fighters from the 1st Air Fleet had dealt a significant blow to Oahu's fighter squadron, but it was unlikely that they had completely destroyed it. Moreover, the American aircraft carriers would have their own fighter cover, so avoiding unnecessary battles seemed wise.

The reason why the second wave would target the A-1 and the A-2 would be to deal with the oversights. Even if the first wave managed to eliminate the aircraft carriers, there would still be numerous escort cruisers and destroyers, so they wouldn't lack targets. The problem was the B-2, a powerful fleet that included two new battleships.

"When it comes to targeting B-2, I would have liked to send all aircraft equipped with torpedoes," Chief of Staff Yamada lamented.

The aircraft dispatched from the 3rd Air Fleet for both the first and second waves consisted of half bombers and half torpedo bombers.

"If we had known the Pacific Fleet's composition from the beginning, it might have been different, but now there's no other choice."

Not only was the enemy fleet's composition unknown until recently, but Japan had already revealed its presence to the US military. Shortly after dawn, B-17s or similar aircraft had flown over the 2nd and 3rd Air Fleets in succession.

"The enemy mobile forces had probably already launched their attackers. It would have been too dangerous to try to mount torpedoes."

It would have been a nightmare to be attacked by enemy planes while loading torpedoes and bombs or refueling. Just one hit and it would turn into a floating bonfire. With a heavy heart, Kusaka issued the orders.

"Launch the first attack group immediately. Once they're done, the second attack group should be launched without delay. Ensure all aircraft are launched before the enemy carrier-based aircraft arrive."

Following Kusaka's orders, the flagship Shōkaku and her three sister ships turned their bows into the wind.

The first attack group consisted of 45 Zero fighters and 90 Type 0 attackers from the 2nd Air Fleet, and 36 Zero fighters and 72 Type 0 attackers from the 3rd Air Fleet. The attack group included 15 Zero fighters and 60 Type 0 attackers from the 2nd Air Fleet, and 36 Zero fighters and 72 Type 0 attackers from the 3rd Air Fleet. Half of the Type 0 attackers were equipped with bombs, while the other half had torpedoes. As for the Zero fighters, none of them carried bombs; they all had drop tanks for extended range.

The leading Zero fighter began its takeoff run, signaling that the second round of the battle between the Japanese and American carrier forces was about to commence.