ONCE WITHIN STRIKING DISTANCE OF TRUK ATOLL, A MASSIVE FIGHTER ATTACK WAS LAUNCHED TO CLEAR THE SKIES AND DESTROY AS MANY AIRCRAFT ON THE GROUND AS POSSIBLE. WHILE OTHER FIGHTERS FLEW COMBAT AIR PATROL OVER THE FLEET, ADDITIONAL FIGHTERS PROVIDED TOP COVER FOR THE DIVE- AND TORPEDO-BOMBERS THAT WENT IN NEXT TO ATTACK SHIPPING IN THE ANCHORAGE.