WWIINaval Archives
19–20 June 1944 • Pacific Ocean

Battle of the Philippine Sea

Decisive US Victory

Background

The Imperial Japanese Navy launched a massive carrier strike against the US 5th Fleet covering the invasion of the Mariana Islands.

Naval Forces

US: 7 fleet carriers, 8 light carriers. Japan: 5 fleet carriers, 4 light carriers.

Historical Significance

Known as the 'Great Marianas Turkey Shoot', it essentially eliminated the IJN's carrier air groups as an effective fighting force.