American scout planes spotted the Japanese forces on the morning of 23 August.

From the west the roar of the powerful scout plane grew momentarily.

All day on 18 June, each force sent out scout planes in an effort to locate its adversary.

Together the two big scout planes roared off the narrow strip, and only returned as the last light was fading.

Several small, speedy scout planes slipped in after them.

With the discovery of the waiting American force by Japanese scout planes, orders were changed.

The scout plane powered away to the east, all his canisters puffing on the ground.

The vital scout plane detailed to cover the sector where the American ships were waiting had been delayed.

While airborne, the group intercepted a formation of five German scout planes.