The loss of two aircraft carriers, half your force in the pacific, so soon after pearl harbor with all the other things that have happened is a big risk. It's also a hell of an opportunity for a ange to surprise the japanese. If you want to go out there and strike a blow, you risk what you're using to strike with. And at this time, if you throw a punch in boxing, you're opening yourself up to a counter punch.
Coral Sea, Midway and Guadalcanal are three of the most famous battles of the Second World War. Together they will shift the momentum in the Pacific theater and usher in the era of modern naval and amphibious warfare.