original_query: What was the significance of the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands?
query: What was the significance of the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands?
answer: The Battle of Santa Cruz Islands was a tactical victory for Japan, but a strategic victory for the Allies in the long run.  Japan lost many irreplaceable veteran aircrews, while Allied losses were lower and easier to replace.  This loss of experienced airmen severely hampered Japan's future capabilities, ultimately contributing to the Allied war effort.