Why were aircraft carriers important to winning the war in the pacific?

Aircraft carriers were like floating islands. They allowed for planes to take off and land from anywhere in the ocean. This changed the way battles were fought forever. Cities that were once considered safe from air attack were now vulnerable.

Aircraft carriers also allowed planes to be launched from a distance to attack other warships. They could drop torpedoes into the water or dive from up high to drop bombs directly on a warship's deck. Aircraft could also be used to spot enemy ships from far away.