This was followed by a determined attempt to shell the US base at Henderson Field leading to the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. Early in the morning of 15 November 1942, the battleship , supported by "Takao" and "Atago", engaged the American battleships and . All three Japanese ships hit "South Dakota" multiple times with shells, knocking out her radar and fire controls. "Takao" and "Atago" fired Long Lance torpedoes at "Washington" but missed. However, "Kirishima" was quickly disabled by "Washington" and sank a few hours later. "Atago" was damaged. "Takao" escaped unharmed, but was forced to retreat to Truk, and from there went back to Kure Naval Arsenal for repairs at the end of November, returning to Truk by the end of December.