The island of Tulagi had been occupied by the Japanese during the Battle of the Coral Sea in May, 1942. The Japanese quickly established a seaplane base there. However, in June the Japanese began constructing a full-fledged airbase on the nearby island of Guadalcanal. Allied intelligence actually knew of Japanese intentions in the area shortly before the first Japanese construction units landed. An American response, in the form of the 1st Marine Division, was not long in coming. For the next four months, the waters around Guadalcanal would be the unlikely scene of the most bitter, protracted naval struggle of the Pacific War. Although neither party realized it at the time, the Japanese had found the "Decisive Battle" their naval doctrine called for. Unfortunately, it wasn't just a battle, it was a campaign; a campaign they could not hope to win, as the material superiority of their adversary, and the willingness of the Americans to accept stunning naval losses to hold the island gradually eroded the vital cruiser and destroyer strengths of the Japanese Navy.
Legend:
= Battle
#1 = Battle of Savo Island, August 9, 1942
#2 = Battle of Cape Esperance, October 11, 1942
#3 = First Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, November 13, 1942
#4 = Second Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, November 14, 1942
#5 = Battle of Tassafaronga, November 30, 1942
