Battle of Santa Cruz Islands

The Battle of Santa Cruz Islands took place in October 1942 during World War II, near the Solomon Islands. It was a naval engagement between the United States and Japan aimed at gaining control of strategically important sea routes. The U.S. sought to weaken Japan’s naval power after their attack on Pearl Harbor. The battle involved aircraft carriers, battleships, and aircraft from both sides, with heavy losses, especially for the U.S. Navy's carrier force. While the Japanese inflicted significant damage, the U.S. maintained enough strength to continue offensive operations in the Pacific, marking a pivotal period in the Pacific War.