The Japanese had succeeded in luring Halsey's 3rd Fleet away from its role of covering the invasion fleet, but seemingly light forces proved to be a very considerable obstacle.
Det var lykkedes japanerne at narre Halseys 3. flåde væk, så den ikke længere beskyttede invasionsflåden, men tilsyneladende lette styrker viste sig at være en meget betydelig forhindring.