On 3 -- 4 May , Japanese forces successfully invaded and occupied Tulagi .
Several of forces ' supporting warships were sunk or damaged in surprise attacks by aircraft from the U.S. fleet carrier Yorktown .
On 3 -- 4 May , Japanese forces successfully invaded and occupied Tulagi , although several of their supporting warships were sunk or damaged in surprise attacks by aircraft from the U.S. fleet carrier Yorktown .