At 11:35, with "Hornet" out of action, "Enterprise" heavily damaged, and the Japanese assumed to have one or two undamaged carriers in the area, Kinkaid decided to withdraw "Enterprise" and her screening ships from the battle. Leaving "Hornet" behind, Kinkaid directed the carrier and her task force to retreat as soon as they were able. Between 11:39 and 13:22, "Enterprise" recovered 57 of the 73 airborne U.S. aircraft as she retreated. The remaining U.S. aircraft ditched in the ocean, and their aircrews were rescued by escorting warships.