Reconnaissance patrols conducted from the U.S. carriers throughout the day failed to locate any of the Japanese naval forces , because they were located just beyond scouting range .
Believing the Japanese carriers were still well to the north near Bougainville , Fletcher continued to refuel .
Reconnaissance patrols conducted from the U.S. carriers throughout the day failed to locate any of the Japanese naval forces , because Japanese were located just beyond scouting range .
Believing the Japanese carriers were still well to the north near Bougainville , Fletcher continued to refuel .