The Battle of the Philippine Sea—better known as the Great Marianas Turkey Shoot—was a decisive American victory in the Pacific War. But what might have happened if the US Navy had pursued the retreating Japanese fleet on the night of 19 June 1944?

In this Sea Power alternate-history scenario, Admiral Willis Lee leads the fast battleships of Task Force 58.7 in pursuit of the Imperial Japanese Navy’s Force C.

The American task force includes formidable Iowa-class, South Dakota-class and North Carolina-class battleships, supported by cruisers and destroyers. Waiting ahead are some of Japan’s most powerful warships, including the legendary battleship Yamato, Kongō, heavy cruisers and a large destroyer force.

Radar Meets Night-Fighting Expertise

As the two fleets meet in darkness, the Americans possess a potentially decisive advantage: radar-directed fire control.

The US battleships attempt the classic “crossing the T” manoeuvre, bringing their heavy naval guns to bear while restricting the Japanese fleet’s ability to return fire effectively.

However, the Imperial Japanese Navy is far from helpless.

Japanese crews were highly trained in night combat, while their cruisers and destroyers could launch more than 100 deadly Type 93 “Long Lance” torpedoes towards the American battle line.

Who Wins the Night Battle?

Radar, superior fire control and powerful American battleships face Japanese night-fighting experience and an overwhelming torpedo attack.

Could Yamato and Kongō survive against Iowa, South Dakota and North Carolina? Would American radar decide the engagement—or would the Long Lance torpedoes devastate the pursuing fleet?

Watch the battle unfold and decide who would win this hypothetical clash between the US Navy and Imperial Japanese Navy.

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WHAT IF the US Fast Battleships Had Chased Down the IJN Fleet During the Battle of the Philippine Sea?