In January and February 1942, this force was split into the Eastern and Central Forces; the first for the invasions of Menado, Kendari and Makassar in Celebes and amphibious operations in the Banda Sea, and the second for the invasion of Dutch Borneo. Takahashi was Commander of Eastern and Central Forces during the invasions of Bali and Java. His forces included the "Direct Support Force" under Rear Admiral Shōji Nishimura, commander of the 4th Destroyer Squadron, the "Second Escort Force" under Rear Admiral Raizo Tanaka, commander of the 2nd Destroyer Squadron, the 1st and 2nd "Naval Base Forces", under Rear Admiral Takeo Kurita, the "Third Escort Force", under Rear-Admiral Chuichi Hara, and the "First Air Group" made up of the light carrier and 56 transports.