 To this group, the Japanese assigned the heavy cruisers "Aoba", "Kinugasa", "Furutaka" and "Kako", the light cruisers "Tenryu", "Tatsuta", and "", the destroyers "Mutsuki", "Mochizuki", "Yoyoi", "Asanagi", "Oite", and "Yūnagi".The invasion fleet left Rabaul on 5 March 1942, consisting of Sadamichi's group, assorted auxiliary vessels, and the transports.The troop transports "Yokohama Maru" and "China Maru" sailed for Salamaua carrying Horie's troops, while the transports "Kongō Maru" and "Kokai Maru", along with the auxiliary minelayer were destined for Lae with the naval landing party.