The Battle of Leyte Gulf was a series of four major naval engagements that occurred in the waters near the Leyte Island in the Philippines. It began on October 23 and culminated on October 26, 1944. This battle was significant as it represented Japan's last chance to reverse the tide against American forces in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Following the successful landings of American troops on Leyte, Japan responded with a massive naval mobilization to confront the Allied advances and protect the Philippines, which were crucial for maintaining their strategic posture in the region.

In a desperate attempt to halt the American advance, the Imperial Japanese Navy executed a complex plan which involved several fleet units, including the Central Force under Vice Admiral Takeo Kurita, which aimed to penetrate the Leyte Gulf and engage the American land forces. Noteworthy encounters included the Battle of the Sibuyan Sea, where American submarines and aircraft inflicted severe damage on Japanese carriers and battleships. This was complemented by the Battle of Surigao Strait, where American forces orchestrated a well-coordinated surprise attack against the Japanese fleets, marking one of the few instances of a classic naval battle in modern naval warfare.

Despite their initial numerical superiority and elaborate strategies, Japan faced overwhelming air assaults and superior tactics employed by the Americans. The U.S. Navy, with its carrier-based aircraft, played a pivotal role in dismantling Japanese air cover and targeting significant ships. As the dust settled, the United States had achieved a resounding victory, leading to the loss of a substantial portion of Japan's remaining naval assets, including four aircraft carriers and multiple battleships. This defeat not only signaled a shift in naval power to the U.S. but also contributed to the eventual liberation of the Philippines.