Vice Admiral Shigeru Fukudome was named the commanding officer of the Japanese 10th Area Fleet while still holding command of the 1st Southern Expeditionary Fleet; Rear Admiral Bunji Asakura was named his chief of staff. On the same day, the Japanese Navy 13th Air Fleet was transferred from the Southwest Area Fleet to become part of the 10th Area Fleet; it brought in the strength of two air flotillas and seven air groups.
