The German Atlantic Fleet's Aircraft Carrier Formation had already sent its two damaged carriers away from the formation, setting them on the journey home. However, the remaining six intact aircraft carriers continued fighting.
The first carrier-based aircraft group to sortie had already returned. After landing, the planes were sent directly down to the hangars by elevators to be refueled and rearmed. At the same time, the pilots took the opportunity to get some proper rest.
The second aircraft group also returned half an hour later. Compared with the first carrier-based aircraft group, which had suffered grievous losses, the second group's losses were far lighter. There had originally been 350 fighters, Dive Bombers, and Torpedo Bombers; 280 returned, meaning only seventy had been lost. Together with the more than one hundred carrier-based aircraft from the first wave that had returned, the Atlantic Fleet's Aircraft Carrier Formation still had 380 carrier-based aircraft available for deployment.
"How many aircraft carriers do the Americans have left?" Admiral Rolf Kars asked.
"General, according to our calculations, the Americans still have approximately thirteen or fourteen aircraft carriers that have not been sunk," Lieutenant General George Fredberg replied.
"They still have that many? It seems we need to put our backs into it and sink as many more of their aircraft carriers as possible," Admiral Rolf Kars said.
If possible, they naturally hoped to sink every aircraft carrier in the American Navy in this naval battle in one fell swoop. However, that was undoubtedly extremely difficult.
"Yes, General. The Americans' remaining aircraft carriers are also a great threat to us. If we can leave every one of them in these waters, that would be best of all," Lieutenant General George Fredberg replied.
"Order our brave warriors to prepare for the second round of attacks!" Admiral Rolf Kars