What was notable about the Battle of the Coral Sea?

The Battle of the Coral Sea is notable for being the first naval engagement in history in which aircraft carriers played a central role in the battle, and it was fought entirely by air forces, with opposing ships never directly engaging each other. This battle demonstrated the importance of air power in naval warfare as fighters and bombers launched from carriers attacked enemy vessels without requiring direct surface combat. The result of this engagement also highlighted the growing significance of naval aviation, influencing tactics and strategies in subsequent battles of World War II.

Other options present factual inaccuracies or are misleading regarding the significance and events of the battle. For instance, while code interception and troop losses were significant aspects of the overall war effort, they are not defining characteristics of this particular battle. The focus on aerial engagement at the Coral Sea serves to underline the transformative nature of naval warfare during that period.