Americans.
Fleet Aircraft Carriers. (Fleet Carriers are a navy's largest carrier).
6 aircraft carriers
Four Japanese aircraft carriers were destroyed in the Battle of Midway, which took place from June 4 to June 7, 1942. This pivotal battle in the Pacific Theater during World War II marked a significant turning point, as the United States Navy decisively defeated the Japanese fleet. The loss of these carriers severely weakened Japan's naval capabilities and shifted the balance of power in the Pacific.
American aircraft carriers were out at sea at the time of the attack
Battle of Midway US naval aircraft sank the four Japanese aircraft carriers that were supporting the invasion force.
American aircraft carriers were out at sea at the time of the attack
to take out the Pacific Fleet, especially the aircraft carriers like the Enterprise
Four fleet carriers
In the 4-7 June 1942 Battle of Midway, American Navy dive bombers flying off aircraft carriers, defeated the Japanese. Against American losses of 1 aircraft carrier, 1 destroyer, 150 aircraft and 307 sailors and aviators killed, the Japanese lost 4 aircraft carriers, 1 heavy cruiser, 248 planes, and 3,057 sailors and aviators killed.
a fleet
The plan was to destroy the American fleet in port, but the primary goal in the fleet were the aircraft carriers. The aircraft carriers were not in port then.
Owing to their absence during the attack, the Japanese failed to destroy the American aircraft carriers, which were a primary target. The Japanese attackers also neglected to attack the submarine pens, which would play a major role in the future US submarine campaign against the Japanese merchant fleet.