Task Force 17 Task Force 17 Task Force 17 (TF17) was an aircraft carrier task force of the United States Navy during the Pacific Campaign of World War II. TF17 participated in several major carrier battles in the first year of the war. TF17 was initially centered around . With "Yorktown", TF17 engaged Imperial Japanese Navy forces in actions at the Marshalls-Gilberts raids, Invasion of Lae-Salamaua, Battle of the Coral Sea, and the Battle of Midway. "Yorktown" was sunk at Midway. Reformed around and commanded by RADM George Murray, TF17 supported Allied forces during the Guadalcanal Campaign. At the Battle of the Santa
Japanese aircraft carrier Akagi Island, which he was sure would draw out the American carrier forces to battle. The Japanese codenamed the Midway invasion Operation "MI". On 25 May 1942, "Akagi" set out with the Combined Fleet's carrier striking force in the company of carriers "Kaga", , and , which constituted the First and Second Carrier Divisions, for the attack on Midway Island. Once again, Nagumo flew his flag on "Akagi". Because of damage and losses suffered during the Battle of the Coral Sea, the Fifth Carrier Division with carriers "Shōkaku" and "Zuikaku" was absent from the operation. "Akagi"s aircraft complement consisted of 24