 The Japanese regarded the islands as an important outpost for their navy.Allied commanders knew that an eventual surrender of Japan would require penetration of these islands.While commander of the United States Army, General Douglas MacArthur, wanted to push towards the Philippines via New Guinea, the United States Navy's Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, favored a drive across the central Pacific, through the Gilberts, the Marshalls, the Carolines, and eventually the Marianas, which would put American B-29 bombers within range of Tokyo.