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What was the first naval battle of World War II

in which two opposing fleets didn't see each
other during combat?

1. The Battle of Midway
2. The Battle of Okinawa
3. The Battle of Guadalcanal
4. The Battle of the Coral Sea

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

The Battle of the Coral Sea in May 1942 was the first naval battle in WWII where opposing fleets did not see each other, with combat conducted via carrier-launched aircraft.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first naval battle of World War II in which two opposing fleets did not see each other during combat was the Battle of the Coral Sea. This significant battle took place in May 1942 and was a confrontation by air from aircraft carriers, rather than a traditional battle with exchanges between surface ships. The United States and Japanese fleets fought 200 miles apart, with all fighting conducted by carrier-launched planes. While the U.S. Navy successfully halted the Japanese threat to Australia, the Battle of Midway in June 1942 further emphasized the new style of naval warfare, where again, the Japanese and American forces engaged each other primarily through air strikes without the fleets sighting each other. The Battle of Midway was a turning point, with the U.S. sinking four Japanese aircraft carriers and marking the end of Japan's naval supremacy in the Pacific.

Answer: 4. The Battle of the Coral Sea

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