By September of 1943 the Japanese figured it was time to go back on the offensive in the Pacific. Losses in carrier aircraft were having an effect on Japanese plans so it was thought recapturing some islands taken by the American’s would help spread their land based aircraft. Attack the American fleet while it was busy invading an island. Sink a carrier or two, shoot down aircraft, and retake the island after inflicting heavy casualties on the Marines.

Plans were set in motion to start the offensive during the beginning of 1944. For their plan the Japanese mustered most of their remaining naval power and naval aircraft. The plan was to send the force against the next American invasion force and inflict damage on the US fleet. Then when the American’s fell back to regroup they would send in land based aircraft to strengthen their forces.

On June 12, 1944 American planes began to attack the Marianas Island. The Japanese had felt the American’s would attack in the Carolina’s or other southern islands. Their force in the Mariana’s numbered only 50 planes. On June 14 Saipan was invaded by the American’s. The order to launch the attack was given the same day.

The American force numbered 7 fleet carriers, 8 escort carriers, 7 battleships, 79 support ships, 28 submarines, and 956 aircraft. The Japanese countered with 5 fleet carriers, 4 light carriers, 5 battleships, 43 support ships, 450 carrier aircraft and 300 land based aircraft.

The stage was set for a battle what would cement the direction of the war one way or another.