The first phase of the new campaign consisted of an amphibious landing by Allied troops north of Siki Cove near the confluence of the Siki River and south of the Song at a beach codenamed "Scarlet". Positioned further east on the peninsula from Lae, in terms of strategic importance, Finschhafen overshadowed Lae in the minds of the Allied planners, due to its potential to support operations across the Vitiaz Strait into New Britain.
The initial part of the new campaign began with an amphibious invasion by Allied troops north of Siki Cove, close to where the Siki River meets the Song, and south of a beach codenamed "Scarlet". Finschhafen was considered more crucial than Lae in terms of strategic value due to its ability to support operations across the Vitiaz Strait into New Britain.