The Battle Hostile_encounter of the Coral Sea , fought Hostile_encounter from 4–8 May 1942 , was a major naval battle Hostile_encounter between the Imperial Japanese Navy ( IJN ) and naval and air forces from the United States and Australia , taking place Process_start in the Pacific Theatre of World War II .

`` the airstrike on Truk Island '' ) , 17–18 February 1944 , was a massive United States Navy air and surface attack Attack on Truk Lagoon conducted Action as part of the American offensive drive Self_motion against the Imperial Japanese Navy ( IJN ) through the Central Pacific Ocean during World War II .

Prior to Operation `` Hailstone '' , the IJN had used Using Truk as an anchorage for its large Combined Fleet .

The Indian Ocean raid Attack ( known in Japan as Operation C ) was a naval sortie carried out Action by the Imperial Japanese Navy ( IJN ) from 31 March to 10 April 1942 .

In March 1944 , a force of three Imperial Japanese Navy ( IJN ) heavy cruisers raided Attack Allied shipping Self_motion in the Indian Ocean .

The cruisers departed Departing Japanese-held territory on 1 March with the support of other IJN vessels and aircraft .

IJN forces were also suffering Bodily_harm heavy losses Earnings_and_losses attempting to reinforce and resupply Supply the ground forces on the island .

Around the same time , IJA and IJN air forces began Process_start an air superiority campaign around the Solomon Islands and New Guinea .