Enlisted Expeditionary Warfare Specialist (EXW) Practice Test

The Battle of Coral Sea, fought in May 1942, was pivotal in preventing the Japanese invasion of Australia. This battle marked the first time that naval forces fought without direct sight of each other, relying on aircraft to engage the enemy. The successful defense against Japanese naval forces demonstrated the effectiveness of aircraft carriers and set a precedent for future naval engagements in the Pacific theater.

The significance of this battle lies in its strategic implications. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japan aimed to expand its dominance in the Pacific, and capturing Australia would have granted them a strategic base for further operations. The thwarting of this invasion attempt considerably shifted the momentum in favor of the Allied forces in the region and set the stage for subsequent victories. Therefore, the Battle of Coral Sea played a critical role not just in the immediate military context, but also in the broader strategic landscape of World War II.