WitP question

[Lowlander]

Have you set a search arc and range for your patrol sqn's, especially as you appear to know approximately where the enemy is deployed. Most experienced player's would not seek a carrier engagement with Japan at this date unless you have a large advantage.
If this is not a PBEM game then a lot will depend on the advantage setting selected for the AI.
For this scenario you might achieve a pyrrhic victory.
But if it's against the AI you can reset your orders and replay the turn again and again if you so desire.