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One of the most crucial weapons of World War Two's war in the Pacific was the aircraft carrier but it was also a compelling target. This program explains the critical role of the aircraft carrier in the battles of the Pacific with a major focus on the many unique dangers the sailors faced.

Tim Pigott-Smith narrates the story of the battle for Guadalcanal and the capture of this strategically crucial island in World War 2 during which more than 25,000 Japanese lost their lives.

Ward discusses a 1944 film entitled "The Fighting Lady." This academy award documentary was created for the home front to demonstrate the war fighting abilities of the US Navy in the Pacific. It features the exploits of the USS Yorktown from it's launch up to the decisive Battle of the Philipine Sea with actual combat footage.

With a ten to one kill ratio the Grumman F6F Hellcat was responsible for three quarters of the aerial kills and the most aces in the Pacific theater during World War Two. Despite it's bulbous appearance it was a superb fighter plane.

In 1942 American attacks on Japanese merchant shipping were so ineffective that they practically no impact. The problem was finally resolved in late 1943. And in 1944 submarine and air attacks so devastated Japan's imports that Japan lost the ability to fight a naval war.

A detailed look at the 24-day battle for the island of Saipan, the first time U.S. soldiers invaded Japanese soil, and the naval Battle of the Philippine Sea, known by the Americans as the "Great Marianas Turkey Shoot".