In fact, Halsey had not yet formed TF 34, and all six of Willis Lee's battleships were on their way northwards with the carriers, as well as every available cruiser and destroyer of the Third Fleet.
Imidlertid havde Halsey endnu ikke dannet Task Force 34, og alle Willis Lees 6 slagskibe var på vej nordpå med hangarskibene, og det samme var alle krydsere og destroyere i 3.