TF 38 came into existence in August 1943, built around the USS Saratoga, and under the command of Rear Admiral Frederick Sherman.

TF 58 was created on 6 January 1944 with Rear Admiral Marc Mitscher commanding, serving under the fleet command of Admiral Raymond A. Spruance. TF 38 continued to exist, with a handful of ships assigned, for two reasons. One was to confuse the enemy, and the other was that it was used for planning purposes when not in operational use. The same became true of Task Force 58. It consisted of the commander's flagship USS Lexington and five other aircraft carriers, six light aircraft carriers, and a host of supporting ships.

On 26 August 1944, Fifth Fleet became Third Fleet, and TF 58 became TF 38 again. Mitscher retained command, serving under the fleet command of Admiral William Halsey, Jr. The force grew to nine CVs and eight CVLs in preparation for the landings on Leyte.

On 30 October 1944, just after the Battle of Leyte Gulf, Mitscher went on shore leave and planning duty, and Vice Admiral John S. McCain, Sr. became commander of TF 38, continuing to serve under Halsey and the Third Fleet.

On 26 January 1945, Halsey and McCain went on shore leave and planning duty, and Spruance and Mitscher returned to their previous commands. Third Fleet became Fifth Fleet, and TF 38 became TF 58.

On 28 May 1945, Halsey and McCain returned to sea duty, and Spruance and Mitscher went ashore. Fifth Fleet became Third Fleet, and TF 58 became TF 38. This command arrangement lasted until the Japanese surrender ended the war on 2 September 1945.

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