Over the waters northwest of Yap, the first wave of Island Nation Navy carrier-based aircraft had already drawn near. However, the twenty-four BF-109 fighters that had taken off from Yap Island Airport had likewise charged into the fray. It was just after five in the morning; the sky was still gray and murky, and visibility was very poor.
The four aircraft carriers of the Island Nation Navy's Second Carrier Division carried relatively few aircraft. The Hoshō, with a displacement of less than ten thousand tons, carried only nine Zero fighters and twelve Type 97 carrier-based attack aircraft. The Ryūshō carried fifteen Zero fighters and thirty-three Type 97 carrier-based attack aircraft. The Sōryū and Hiryu each carried sixteen Zero fighters, thirty-six Type 99 carrier-based dive bombers, and twenty-one Type 97 carrier-based attack aircraft.
In the first wave of the attack, they had launched only half their aircraft: twenty-eight Zero fighters, thirty-six Type 99 carrier-based dive bombers, and thirty-eight Type 97 carrier-based attack aircraft.
The Zero fighter's low-altitude dogfighting capabilities were extremely formidable. But German Navy Aviation had known that long ago. Thus, whether carrier-based or land-based pilots, all German Navy Aviation personnel stationed in the Pacific Ocean knew how to deal with these Zero fighters. They had also conducted numerous rehearsals beforehand.
"Sir, Island Nation aircraft spotted!" A pilot's voice came through to Squadron Leader Major Nix.
"Report the coordinates and prepare to attack. Brothers, those damned Island Nation men are headed for our airfield. No matter what, we cannot let them bomb it to ruins. Therefore, their bombers will be our priority targets!" Major Nix ordered.
"Yes, Boss!" the other pilots answered in unison.
"Visibility is poor. Be careful during the attack—I do not want any friendly fire. All right, prepare to sortie!" Major Nix ordered.
"Yes! Victory to the