Navasota (AO 106) - Naval Cruise Book

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L f Wlyf a Coral Sea Celebration? The Battle of the Coral Sea, fought in May, 1942, is noted as one of the most unusual engage- ments of World War ll. It was unusual inasmuch as the opposing vessels never even saw each other. It was entirebf a battle of naval air power. It was admittedbf not a tactical victory for the Allied Forces especialbf since one of the few large carriers available at that time, the USS LEXINGTON, was sunk. However, strategicalbf, it was a victory, and a very important one. Prior to the battle, the confident japanese Nary was moving into the South Pacgqc. Its goal was to cut the lifelines between Australia and the United States and thus isolate the continent for invasion. This was the picture prior to the Battle Coral Sea. A joint task force ofAmerican and Australian ships intercepted a superior enemyforce in the Coral Sea on Mag' 4th, 1942. During the engagements thatfollowed in the ensuing days the japanese suffered losses of 6 ships, 80 planes, and 900 men, while Allied Forces lost 2 ships, 66 planes, and 543 men. It was a costbf victogf, but it marked the Jqrst time that the japanese advance had been stopped. As an additional result of the battle, the japanese Naty was seriousbf impaired and this was an important factor in the overwhelming victogf by the Allies in the Battle of Midway a month later. The strategic victory in the Coral Sea, coupled with the stalwart island fghting by units of the Australian Army, removed the immediate threat of the japanese advance into the South Pacijqc and the invasion of Australia. Annualbf, since the end of World War ll, Australia has commemorated this joint victory ly United States-Australian Forces with celebrations which are held under the title of Coral Sea Week . The celebrations begin in April and extend through the Jqrst two weeks in May. These celebrations are staged in nearbf evegf cigf and hamlet in Australia, and include participation ly units of the Australian Army. Navy and Air Force and civic ojlicials and organizations. Activigf during the celebrations usualbf features parades, parties, and publicitv which places emphasis on how cooperation between the peoples of Australia and the United States achieved success in the Pacwc during World War II.

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