As the Japanese ships broke off attack and circled off Samar, the airstrikes continued. At 11:20, "Manila Bay" launched four Avengers, carrying 500 pound bombs, and four bombers from other carriers. Escorted by General Motors FM-2 Wildcats and led by Commander R. L. Fowler, they soon joined planes from other Taffy carriers. Shortly after 12:30, some 70 planes surprised and attacked the retiring Center Force, strafing and bombing through intense antiaircraft fire. "Manila Bay"s bombers made a hit and two near misses on the lead battleship, probably or . "Manila Bay" launched her final strike at 12:45, strafing destroyers and getting two hits on a cruiser.