"Task Groups 1, 2, and 3 are to attack enemy mobile units behind the surface strike force. Task Group 1 attacks in the front, Task Group 2 in the center, and Task Group 3 in the rear. Task Group 4 should target the four carriers in the vanguard. One of those four ships should be the Shōhō, but there will be no problem if all of them are sunk."

Admiral Spruance, always calm and collected, continued to issue orders in a tone unusual for him, prompting those around him to wonder about his behavior. The discovery of the Japanese fleet had everyone either exhilarated or excited.

Under Spruance's command, 72 F6F Hellcat fighters, 60 SB2C Helldiver dive bombers, and 48 TBF Avenger torpedo bombers each from TG 1, 2, and 3, took off one after another to destroy the Japanese mobile unit. The relatively smaller TG 4 also launched an attack force consisting of 48 F6Fs, 30 SB2Cs, and 33 TBFs. In total, each task group formed an attack group of 651 planes heading towards the Japanese fleet.

Even with such a large attack force, the Essex-class carriers had two squadrons each, and the Independence-class carriers had one squadron each, totaling 264 F6Fs remaining as direct cover. Of these 264 F6Fs, one squadron from each carrier, a total of 15 squadrons, took off into the sky as airborne cover to intercept what the radar indicated as a large formation sent by the Japanese mobile unit.

The interception of the first wave of attacks was carried out by 180 F6Fs from TG 1, 2, 3, and 4. However, there were still 84 F6Fs left on the seven Essex-class carriers, prepared for the enemy's second wave.

"According to the radar, the formation size is approximately 200. Probably half of them are thought to be escort fighters. Therefore, Task Groups 1 and 2 should eliminate the enemy escort fighters. Task Group 3 deals with the enemy dive bombers, and Task Group 4 annihilates the enemy torpedo bombers."

Upon receiving the orders, the 96 F6Fs from TG 1 and 2 aggressively attacked the Japanese aircraft formation. The F6F, an excellent aircraft for them, was a hunter, and the inferior Zero fighters were mere prey. On the other hand, the entire Japanese formation moved in a way that surrounded the F6Fs.

"Oh, no!"

Realizing the situation, the leader of TG 3's fighter squadron hastily accelerated. By closely observing the enemy's maneuvers, it became apparent which type of aircraft they were. Despite the large formation of 200 planes, the Japanese had packed all their aircraft with fighters. It was an extremely bold tactic, to say the least.

"All enemies are fighters! Squadrons from Franklin, Wasp, Langley, and Cabot, follow me!"

In response to the urgent order from the leader of TG 3's fighter squadron, the 47 wingmen pushed their 2.000 horsepower engines to the limit. The fighters of TG 1 and 2, taken by surprise and outmaneuvered, were clearly at a disadvantage. Many of the falling aircraft were not Zeros but the F6Fs flown by their comrades.

TG 4's fighter squadron, slightly delayed in noticing the anomaly, also headed for the rescue. However, they had descended to a low altitude to deal with torpedo bombers, so it would take some time to reach the combat altitude.

"This is the Franklin fighter squadron leader. All enemies in the first wave are fighters. The situation is unfavorable for us. Requesting immediate support!"

In response to the plea from the Franklin fighter squadron leader, a total of 84 F6Fs were urgently launched from the seven Essex-class carriers. However, it would still take some time for these aircraft to reach the combat airspace.