Historical events turn into movies

[Thumpalumpacus]

Nimitiz's orders to Halsey included the clause that should the IJN carriers show up, they would become the primary target.

Wasn't a fucktop of planes left for those carriers after the Great Marianas Turkey Shoot.  They were a decoy.

Right. Nimitz's caveat to Halsey was based on the criticism Spruance received (in part, ironically, from Halsey) for being too cautious. So Halsey got suckered into attacking empty flattops. And JICPOA couldn't really know the air-groups on Ozawa's carriers, because the planes could be loaded ashore without using any radio comm.

Funny thing -- according to Craig Symonds, after the war Nimitz's eldest son Chet was asking him about this. When Chester Sr admitted including the clause mentioned above in his orders to Halsey, his own son told him, "Well, then it's your fault." Chet Jr was himself a LtCdr in PacFlt during the war.