The Japanese Navy's Success Against U.S. Carriers: Strategy, Luck, or Superior Aircrew?

Nor can it be attributed to a flaw in their strategy. The Japanese Navy's success in sinking multiple U.S. carriers during World War II was largely due to the precise and effective ordnance delivered by highly skilled veteran aircrew aboard Nihon Kaigun Kokutai.

Technological Advancement and Training Edge

During the early stages of the war, the Japanese held a distinct advantage in carrier numbers, planes, fighter types, torpedo bombers, and the best naval aviators in the world. However, as the war progressed into 1943, the Americans managed to overcome these advantages, but Special Attack aircraft and Kamikazes still posed a formidable threat.

Target Size and Defenses

Big ships are inherently larger targets, requiring substantial protection to prevent their sinking. Major tactical and experience were vital in carrier movements, exposures, deployments, and defenses. U.S. aircraft carriers were often referred to as "fleet" carriers, with the Essex class being the most advanced during the conflict.

Strategic Losses and Defenses

At Pearl Harbor, the power of aerial attack was demonstrated, followed by the critical role of aircraft carriers in the Pacific during the Battle of Midway. Despite the loss of several fleet carriers in the initial stages of the war, none were lost after the Battle of Santa Cruz Islands in October 1944. The Lexington (May 1942), Coral Sea (May 1942), Yorktown (June 1942), Wasp (September 1942), Guadalcanal, and Hornet (October 1942) were the only fleet carriers lost during the entire conflict. Nine smaller carriers also met their end during the war, with the U.S. constructing over 150 carriers.

As the war continued, significant advancements were made, particularly with the invention of proximity fuses by the British and further development by the Americans. These rounds used radar signals to explode near planes, significantly improving accuracy and allowing for more extended engagements with less ammunition usage. This was a crucial improvement that helped protect the carriers.

The fleet carriers seldom traveled alone. Obsolete battleships served as stationary gun platforms, while cruisers, destroyers, and submarines played pivotal roles in detecting and defending against enemy threats. U.S. damage control was exceptional, with U.S. carriers operational for the highest percentage of days compared to any other nation's carriers. However, one significant danger the U.S. carriers faced was from Kamikaze attacks.

The Battle of Leyte Gulf marked a pivotal moment in the war. Admiral Halsey, in a strategic blunder, abandoned the entire invasion force in the Philippines and chased the remaining Japanese carrier fleet northward. Meanwhile, an unchallenged Japanese fleet entered the area and positioned themselves to destroy the American ships. One of the Japanese ships, the Yamato, faced a daring defense by a handful of American destroyers and jeep carriers. These small carriers and destroyers charged the larger Japanese vessels, allowing them to sink many and significantly weaken the Japanese formation.

The U.S. carriers, commanded by Commander Ernest E. Evans of the DD Johnston, performed admirably, sacrificing themselves to defend the invasion force and its support ships. The Battle of Leyte Gulf resulted in the loss of six escort carriers, three destroyers, and four destroyer escorts. However, this heroic defense caused the Japanese commander to abandon his mission, and the Japanese retreated. This turning point in the war is commemorated in San Diego with a memorial dedicated to the ships and their crew that defended the indefensible.