However, just as Oite was entering Truk harbor on 18 February, the Japanese base was struck by United States Navy aircraft in Operation Hailstone.
Namun, tepat saat Oite memasuki pelabuhan Truk pada tanggal 18 Februari, markas Jepang disana terkena serang udara oleh Angkatan Laut Amerika Serikat pesawat dalam Operasi Hailstone.