World War II: invasion of Saipan

Task Force 58, part of the U.S. 5th Fleet, played a crucial role in WWII by protecting troops en route to Saipan. The fleet bypassed enemy islands, moving within 1,500 miles of Tokyo. Under Admiral Spruance, they shot down 750 Japanese planes and destroyed 100 ships. A significant bombardment targeted Saipan, marking the first time the U.S. Navy downed a Japanese aircraft carrier.

What is Task Force 58 known for in the context of sea warfare?

• Inventing new naval tactics

• Leading the attack on Pearl Harbor

• Being the first to use submarines

• Guarding troops en route to Saipan

How close did the armada get to Tokyo during their operation?

• 1,000 miles

• 500 miles

• 2,000 miles

• 1,500 miles

Under whose command did the Sea Air Forces operate during these battles?

• Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto

• Admiral William Halsey

• Admiral Chester Nimitz

• Admiral Raymond Spruance

How many Japanese planes were shot down by the Sea Air Forces in recent battles?

• 1,000

• 500

• 1,250

• 750

What significant achievement did the U.S. Navy accomplish for the first time during the bombardment of Saipan?

• Capturing a Japanese island

• Sinking a Japanese battleship

• Using nuclear weapons

• Shooting down a Japanese aircraft carrier