World War II US Fast Carrier Task Force Tactics 1943–45

Osprey Elite #232

by Brian Lane Herder

Drawing on difficult-to-access wartime documents and other contemporary sources, this is the first compact, illustrated study of the tactics and techniques of the US fast carriers of Task Forces 50, 58 and 38 during the naval war against Japan in 1943–45.
This title concentrates on exactly how these highly successful forces actually operated: their composition in ships, aircraft and men; the essential technology at their disposal; the evolving doctrine for their employment; the opposition and dangers they faced; and how they overcame them at the tactical level. It explains in straightforward terms the intricate details of topics such as how ships manoeuvred, how aircraft were deployed and recovered, the formations and approaches used by fighters, dive-bombers and torpedo-bombers against naval and land targets, and how Task Forces defended themselves. The text is supported by a wide range of wartime photos and full-colour illustrations, showing, for example, the formations employed by ships and aircraft, with altitudes and ranges throughout the course of attacks.

Genres: World War II, Military History, History

117 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 20, 2020

About the author

Born in 1981, Brian Lane Herder graduated with a BA in History from the University of Kansas in 2003, and a Masters of Library Science from Emporia State University in 2009.

Reviews

[Sean Chick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book packs a lot of detail and diagrams in a slim volume. It would be good to get this treatment for Japan and Britain as well.

[Kevin Postlewaite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delivers exactly what was expected. Great, broad, shallow introduction to US Navy in the Pacific for this time period, it touches the surface of how various technological changes impacting the US Navy during WWII enabled the Fast Carrier Task Force structure used to great effect against the Imperial Japanese Navy. Short book (64pp) so it was as deep as practicable for the length. Given US advantages in production in this time frame I would love to follow up with an analysis as to how to credit the tactical doctrine for US success vs. simply overwhelming materiel.

[Leroy B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every thing you need to know,about fast carrier ops

This book covers the nuts and bolts of naval air ops in the Pacific from November '43 onward. It is not a rehash of battles but a comprehensive account of how the fast carrier strike force was developed and operated. The book covers the ships, weapons, tactics and operational procedures that made the offensive juggernaut function in great detail. A must read for the WWII war nerd who wants to understand that how it was done.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very detailed description of the complex methods and procedures of US carrier operations as they evolved from the lessons learned in carrier operations from the battles of 1942. A must for naval wargamers and wargame designers, although most of what is here will be subsumed into the design. The classic WWII carrier movies will never be the same for me. We toured the USS Midway in San Diego last year and I wish I'd read this book first.

[Patrick Foley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am generally a fan of the Osprey series books. Even if they're on a subject I'm very familiar with I usually learn something I didn't know, or at least am reminded of something I've forgotten. In this case, I learned a lot! This is a very informative book with a wealth of knowledge packed into relatively few pages. Some great illustrations aid in understanding and excellent writing make it enjoyable.

[Carleton Eastlake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very comprehensive and clear discussion of the nuts and bolts of WW2 carrier operations. Ranges from fascinating details like when on fire carriers turned hard starboard to force burning fluids away from the island and from other damage control assets that tended to be on the starboard side up to the operational doctrine for how to organize multi-carrier strikes and much in between.