The Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, fought during 25–27 October 1942, sometimes referred to as the Battle of Santa Cruz or Third Battle of Solomon Sea, in Japan as the Battle of the South Pacific, was the fourth aircraft carrier battle of the Pacific campaign of World War II. It was also the fourth major naval engagement fought between the United States Navy and the Imperial Japanese Navy during the lengthy and strategically important Guadalcanal campaign. As in the battles of the Coral Sea, M

At the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, the US Navy attempts to crush the Japanese fleet, while the Japanese aim to drive Allied forces from Guadalcanal. | HISTORY

The Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, fought October 25-27, 1942, represented a crucial turning point in the Pacific War's Guadalcanal campaign. Japanese Admiral Nagumo's Carrier Striking Force, supported by Vice Admiral Kondo's Advance Force (totaling 3 fleet carriers, 1 light carrier, 4 battleships, and 199 aircraft), clashed with American Task Forces 16 and 17 under Rear Admirals Kinkaid and Murray (2 fleet carriers, 1 battleship, and 136 aircraft). The Japanese achieved tactical success by s