After the inconclusive Battle of the Coral Sea, Rochefort uses a simple ruse to determine the identity of "AF", confirmed to be Midway itself. Now knowing the location and roughly the date of the attack, Admiral Nimitz and his staff prepare a trap of their own. The carriers and USS "Hornet", augmented by a hastily-repaired that had been damaged at Coral Sea, will sail to a point north of Midway and lie in wait for the Japanese fleet. Meanwhile, Matt has been unsuccessful in freeing the Sakuras, infuriating Tom, who ships out on his carrier.