Hilen, Jr., USNR, "Remarks on the Development of the Fast Carrier Task Force," part 1 of Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Air) Historical Unit, Essays in the History of Naval Air Operations, vol.
For more details on the new technology, see Hilen, "Remarks on the Development of the Fast Carrier Task Force," p.
By 1944, the Navy's fast carrier task forces were a major operational-level weapon.
(76.) Commander Fast Carrier Task Forces, United States Pacific Fleet, "Task Force Instructions" (FastCar TFI-1), 24 May 1944, cover letter signed by Vice Admiral Mitscher, box 113, entry 337, "USN and Related Operational, Tactical and Instructional Publications," RG 38, National Archives.
(5) A new approach was needed; the Navy's Pacific Fleet was the first to synthesize all three elements: the necessity of a new approach to tactical doctrine, the challenge introduced by fast carrier task forces, and existing prewar doctrinal concepts.
Fast carrier task forces became the basis of the offensive power of the Pacific Fleet.
Although long-range bombers and reconnaissance aircraft could reach the Gilberts, the extreme range forced Spruance to provide direct air support for the invasion forces with his fast carrier task forces. (62) This severely limited the carriers' freedom of maneuver.
The fast carrier task forces, now designated TF 58, had a new commander for FLINTLOCK, Rear Admiral Marc A.
The new approach enabled employment of fast carrier task forces in a way that allowed a rapid offensive.
(62.) Operational Experience of Fast Carrier Task Forces in World War II, WSEG Staff Study No.
Will new forms of military organization be required, analogous to the
fast carrier task forces and panzer divisions that transformed warfare in World War II?