Pentagon, Washington, D.C. — On Friday, May 9, Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence (DDNI) Steve Parode hosted a commemorative cake-cutting ceremony at the Pentagon in honor of the 83rd anniversary of the World War II Battle of the Coral Sea.
The event, the first planned in a series of Naval Intelligence Heritage celebrations, held in the Chief of Naval Operations’ dining room, welcomed distinguished guests from across the U.S. Navy and key allied nations. Remarks were delivered by Parode, Director of Naval History and Heritage Command Rear Admiral, Retired, Samuel Cox, and international partners Commodore David Frost, Royal Australian Navy, and Commander Alan Parker, Royal New Zealand Navy.
In his remarks, Parode emphasized the enduring importance of Allied cooperation and intelligence in shaping victory:
“Naval Intelligence made our Allied victory at the Battle of the Coral Sea possible and secured the ANZUS alliance. Our alliance became the bedrock of victory in the Southwest Pacific. Today, we have the opportunity to commemorate our heroes of the Battle of the Coral Sea and the central role that Naval Intelligence played in enabling them to fight and win. We especially appreciate the attendance of our Australian and Kiwi Naval and Joint Force partners — 83 years strong.”
Director of Naval History and Heritage Command Samuel Cox also offered historical context on the battle’s significance:
“Although considered a tactical draw, the outcome of the Battle of the Coral Sea directly impacted the outcome of the subsequent decisive Battle of Midway a month later, which in turn significantly affected the course of the rest of World War II. Although Intelligence provides a great advantage, a battle still has to be won by the courage and blood of those who fight it. We should never forget the sacrifice of those who held the line, at great cost, during the darkest days of that terrible war.”
The Allied Victory at the Battle of the Coral Sea, fought in May 1942, was a turning point in the Pacific theater and laid the foundation for the enduring strategic partnership among the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. The battle marked the first time that a Japanese invasion force was turned back without achieving its objective, which greatly lifted the morale of the Allies after a series of defeats by Japan during the initial six months of the Pacific Theatre.
Source: dvids
Station HYPO 
15 May 2025 at 16:06
Organizationally, ONI (Office of Naval Intelligence) in 1942 had little, if anything, to do with discovery, analysis, and reporting of the indication and warning (I&W) data leading to the Battle of the Coral Sea.
The signals intelligence (SIGINT) data, especially that derived from traffic analysis, that informed Admiral Nimitz (and therefore Admiral King) of the IJN’s focus on Port Moresby was provided by Fleet Radio Unit Pacific (FRUPAC), led by OP-20-G and Joseph Rochefort.
Rochefort worked hand-in-glove with Edward T. Layton, who served Admiral Nimitz as his Combat Intelligence Officer throughout the war.
The work of those assigned to Fleet Radio Unit Melbourne (FRUMEL), a joint US, UK, and Royal Australian SIGINT command played a significant role corroborating FRUPAC information and reporting additional relevant data. (The U.S. Navy component at FRUMEL were the OP-20-G personnel evacuated by submarine from Station CAST on Corregidor Island.)
Of course, intelligence information (SIGINT or otherwise) did not determine the results of this battle. Pilots, sailors, and their officers who fought and died or were wounded caused the IJN to abandon their plan to capture Port Moresby.
It is significant to me to note that this battle included the first fleet radio unit (SUPRADPAC) was assigned shipboard to provide tactical, real-time intelligence support to Admiral Fletcher and his carrier air wings.
Don White
CTIC(SS)
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