During their return , aircraft from the two adversaries passed each other in the air , resulting in more air - to - air altercations .
By 12 : 00 , the U.S. and Japanese strike groups were on their way back to their respective carriers .
During Japanese 's return , aircraft from the two adversaries passed each other in the air , resulting in more air - to - air altercations .
By 12 : 00 , the U.S. and Japanese strike groups were on their way back to their respective carriers .