Task Group 58.2 (TG 58.2) sortied on 6 June and, a week later, began strikes against Saipan. On 17 June, the task force moved into the Philippine Sea to block a strong Japanese fleet which threatened the American conquest of Saipan. The Battle of the Philippine Sea, commonly referred to as the "Marianas Turkey Shoot", began on 19 June and lasted for two days. During the battle, "Stephen Potter" rescued seven downed pilots. After a five-day refit period at Eniwetok, the ships attacked targets in the Bonin, Palau, and Caroline Islands during July before returning to the Marshalls for replenishment.