Nimitz placed Fletcher in command of Allied naval forces in the South Pacific area until Halsey arrived with TF 16 .
TF16 immediately departed but would not reach the South Pacific in time to participate in the battle .
Nimitz placed Fletcher in command of Allied naval forces in the South Pacific area until Halsey arrived with TF16   .
TF16 immediately departed but would not reach the South Pacific in time to participate in the battle .