BATTLE OF THE PHILIPPINES SEA

In an attempt to stop the US Navy from further supporting operations in the central Pacific, the IJN launches an attack against Task Force 58, off the coast of Saipan. The battle largely involves carrier-based aircraft. With greatly depleted numbers of experienced pilots, the Japanese squadrons are easily bested by the US Navy pilots, who call the battle “The Great Marianas Turkey Shoot”.

Contrails left during the intense aerial combat in the battle