The Great Marianas Turkey Shoot

The "Great Marianas Turkey Shoot" was a monumental episode within the larger #BattleofthePhilippine Sea, which occurred on June 19–20, 1944, during #worldwar2 . This battle was a pivotal moment in the #pacifictheater and showcased American air and #naval superiority. Fought between the U.S. Navy's Task Force 58 and the Japanese Mobile Fleet, the battle resulted in a devastating loss for the Japanese, who had approximately 350 to 400 aircraft shot down. American losses were minuscule in comparison. This lopsided victory severely crippled Japan's naval air power and paved the way for the United States to capture strategic islands in the Marianas chain. These islands later served as critical airbases for bombing runs on the Japanese mainland, significantly altering the trajectory of the war in favor of the Allies. #aviation #aviationhistory #militaryaviation #militaryaviationhistory