Final answer:
The distances between Pacific islands necessitated the US "island hopping" strategy during WWII, where key islands were captured to be used as bases. This strategy, along with the modification of skipping defended islands, allowed the US to move closer to Japan while preserving forces. Key victories, such as the Battle of Midway, were pivotal in weakening the Japanese navy and enabling the US advance.
Step-by-step explanation:
US Naval Strategies in the Pacific During WWII
The vast distances between Pacific islands significantly impacted US naval strategies during World War II. The primary strategy adopted by the US was "island hopping," a tactic which involved capturing key islands and using them as bases to move closer to Japan. This approach was necessary due to the Japanese presence on numerous islands, from which they could launch attacks on American fleets. The goal was to capture or neutralize these islands to prevent enemy aircraft from threatening the US fleet and to establish American airbases for future operations.
As the naval engagement evolved, US forces modified this approach by skipping over the better-defended islands, a method referred to by General Nimitz as "leap-frogging." This involved isolating enemy-held islands by surrounding them with naval firepower, effectively cutting off Japanese supplies and making these islands irrelevant to the larger war effort. This strategy served to preserve US lives and maintain the momentum towards Japan.
The Battle of Midway and the Battle of the Coral Sea were crucial naval battles that cemented the effectiveness of the island-hopping strategy. The US victory at Midway, in particular, was a turning point, as it severely weakened the Japanese navy's offensive power. Subsequently, the US gained momentum, capturing several strategic islands and utilizing them as bases, ultimately paving the way for the final assault on Japan's home islands.