THE CONQUEST OF MICRONESIA Carrier warfare--Gilberts and Marshalls Release Date: February 8, 1953 ... (Episode #12) After American victories at Midway and Guadalcanal, the carrier fleets took some R&R back in Hawaii. After refueling and completing some repairs, the fleets were sent back out to oust the Japanese in the Gilberts and the Marshalls. The carrier fleets headed by Admiral Spruance had one simple order. Search and destroy the enemy. Using air superiority, the fighting Marines and a barrage from the many US battleships, cruisers and destroyers, this mission was completed. And thus, another step towards Tokyo was taken. The loss was great, but the Americans and their allies will prevail and bring total destruction to the Japanese Empire.