A Japanese troop convoy departed Simpson Harbor at Rabaul on February 28, 1943, bound for Lae, New Guinea. On March 2, the convoy came under attack by allied aircraft. Thus began the Battle of the Bismarck Sea, in which air power sank eight troop transports and five destroyers.

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http://flattopshistorywarpolitics.yu...1#.UTTOOTc08uw