The "Enterprise" Air Group participated in the initial stages of the Guadalcanal Campaign, flying sorties in support of the invasions of Tulagi and Guadalcanal and performing CAP and antisubmarine patrols for the amphibious shipping in the area. The Air Group fought in the Battle of the Eastern Solomons on 24 August 1942, which was a strategic and tactical victory that blunted the Japanese counteroffensive during Guadalcanal Campaign. When the Enterprise was damaged during the battle, elements of the Air Group were transferred to Henderson Field at Guadalcanal, where they continued to fly as part of the Cactus Air Force in support of the invasion until their supply of aircraft was depleted.