 MacArthur did not get along with Carpender , and twice asked for him to be replaced , only to be embarrassed in November 1943 when King replaced Carpender with Vice Admiral Thomas C. Kinkaid without informing MacArthur or seeking the approval of the Australian government . However , a face @-@ saving formula was agreed upon . For the invasion of Leyte , the Seventh Fleet was massively reinforced by ships from the Pacific Fleet . Cover was provided by Admiral William F. Halsey 's Third Fleet , which remained under Nimitz . At the Battle of Leyte Gulf , the divided command brought the Allies to the brink of disaster when misunderstandings arose between Kinkaid and Halsey . Allied Naval Forces was abolished , along with SWPA , on 2 September 1945 . 
