 Complete the following phrase:  Once the transports completed unloading, the naval force withdrew over the course of 9 August; Australia reached Nouméa on 13 August. The ships of Task Force 44 were replenished at Nouméa, then sailed to rejoin the three carrier groups on 19 August, in response to intelligence that a large Japanese fleet was sailing to the Solomon Islands. After arrival on 21 August, Crutchley and Australia were placed in command of the carriers combined surface defence group, including several cruisers and the battleship . Air attacks between the Allied and Japanese forces 