What was a key outcome of the Battle of Philippine Sea?

The Battle of the Philippine Sea, fought in June 1944 during World War II, is often referred to as the "Great Marianas Turkey Shoot" due to the significant losses suffered by the Japanese fleet. One of the key outcomes of this battle was the substantial destruction of Japanese carrier-based aircraft, which severely weakened their naval aviation capabilities.

During the battle, the United States Navy achieved a decisive victory, sinking three Japanese aircraft carriers and destroying a large number of enemy aircraft. This loss not only impacted the immediate effectiveness of the Japanese fleet but also had long-lasting implications for their ability to conduct offensive operations. The battle represented a critical turning point in the Pacific Theater, as the U.S. forces were able to establish air superiority, which would aid in subsequent operations leading to the liberation of occupied territories and eventually the defeat of Japan.

The other options do not pertain to the Battle of the Philippine Sea. Nuclear weapons were first used later in the war, the European theater had already seen its conclusion with the surrender of Germany in May 1945, and the invasion of the Japanese mainland did not occur until later actions in the war. Thus, the significant aircraft carrier losses for Japan stand out as the defining outcome of this naval engagement.