How man ships were at the Battle of Midway?

Answer 1

The answer is a tricky one because of two sticky points. The definition of a "ship" varies somewhat, and "at Midway" is also subject to interpretation.

The United States had 3 aircraft carriers and about 20 - 25 support ships. About 18 US submarines were also thought to be in the area, but they were used as picket vessels and did not engage the enemy.

Japan had a strike force with 4 aircraft carriers, plus about 15 support ships. All of these were in the battle. Japan had at least one submarine, but likely many more were in the area. There was a Japanese invasion force which was held back during the battle, which had two light aircraft carriers, 4 battleships, and about 41 support vessels.

After the Battle of Midway, the damaged US carrier Yorktown was sunk by a Japanese submarine. The destroyer Hamann was also sunk. Five other destroyers involved in towing and protecting Yorktown were undamaged.

The total number of ships involved in some way around Midway would be about 115; but those closely involved in the battle would be only about 12 (seven carriers, three cruisers, two submarines).