USS Enterprise and the Battle of Santa Cruz

On October 26, 1942, USS Enterprise, after a tough battle near Guadalcanal, joins forces with USS Hornet to form Task Force 61. Despite being outnumbered, they engage the Japanese fleet. Enterprise faces dive bombers and torpedo planes, narrowly avoiding disaster. The ship survives, becoming the last of her class in the Pacific, boosting American morale. The Japanese suffer significant losses, unable to claim victory. The resilience and spirit of Enterprise's crew are highlighted as key to their survival.

What was the primary objective of the American task force near the Santa Cruz Islands?

• To retreat to Pearl Harbor

• To protect Henderson Field on Guadalcanal

• To invade Japan

• To capture Japanese carriers

How did the USS Enterprise and USS Hornet compare to the Japanese fleet in terms of numbers?

• They had superior firepower

• They had more ships and aircraft

• They were evenly matched

• They were outnumbered and outgunned

What tactic did the USS Enterprise use to evade the Japanese dive bombers?

• Retreated to a safe distance

• Turned left to create an erratic course

• Engaged in direct combat

• Used smoke screens

What was the outcome of the Japanese dive bomber attack on the USS Enterprise?

• The ship was captured

• The attack was completely repelled

• The ship sustained damage but survived

• The ship was sunk

How did the USS Enterprise manage to avoid the torpedoes from the Japanese planes?

• By using underwater defenses

• By outpacing the torpedoes

• By shooting them down

• Through skillful maneuvering

What was the significance of the USS Enterprise's survival after the battle?

• It was the last carrier in the Atlantic

• It boosted American morale

• It led to immediate Japanese surrender

• It had no significant impact

What was the fate of the USS Hornet during the battle?

• It was undamaged

• It successfully retreated

• It was sunk

• It was captured by the Japanese

How did the Japanese losses during the battle affect their future capabilities?

• They became stronger

• They gained more aircraft

• They were unable to recover the losses

• They quickly recovered

What role did the crew's spirit and discipline play in the USS Enterprise's survival?

• It had no impact

• It was crucial for their resilience

• It led to their defeat

• It caused confusion

What was the strategic importance of the USS Enterprise in the Pacific after the battle?

• It was transferred to the Atlantic

• It was the only carrier left

• It was one of many carriers

• It was no longer needed