The final of five primary carrier-on-carrier engagements during the 2nd World War. The Battle of the Philippine Sea was a decisive victory for the Americans. It left little doubt as to who would become the victor in the Pacific theater. 1700 Aircraft, 24 Carriers, 12 Battleships, 30 Cruisers, 100 Destroyers, and 50 submarines participated in the battle.

The casualties were light from a numbers standpoint. 3,000 total KIAs between the two sides. However, 1/3 of the Japanese carrier force was sunk, with another 1/3 damaged. 550 of their 750 aircraft were destroyed.

Order of Battle
Japan 1st Mobile Fleet
Jisaburo Ozawa
3 fleet carriers
6 light carriers
5 battleships
7 heavy cruisers
2 light cruisers
31 destroyers
24 submarines
6 oilers
~450 carrier aircraft
~300 land-based aircraft

United States
US 5th Fleet
Raymond A Sprunance

• 7 fleet carriers
• 8 light carriers
• 7 battleships
• 8 heavy cruisers
• 13 light cruisers
• 68 destroyers
• 28 submarines
• ~900 carrier aircraft

Wargame

Game System, Victory at Sea or some other Large WWII Naval Game
2-10 Players
8×16 Table
Forces Needed (see above order of battle)
Large blue mat with one minor island on the edge, containing an airfield

Objective
Win the Battle per the rules of your chosen system

Set Up, divide your forces into the task forces that were historically present at the time. Engage in an all-out brawl to decide the fate of the South Pacific. I recommend reducing the American forces so the Japanese have a nearly even engagement.

Each side could easily control a task force. Historically, the two Japanese carriers were destroyed by American submarines.

Level up your Game

The battle was spread out over a wide area. Put the games in different rooms and have a central commander have to communicate via telegram to the various sectors.