 Based on this observation, he later proposed that a designated strike coordinator be assigned during future operations to assign targets.Flatley criticized the practice of launching numerous small strikes piecemeal, as happened at the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, since he felt strongly that one large force could accomplish much more than several small ones.Flatley — along with John S. Thach and Butch O'Hare — was instrumental in communicating tactical advice throughout naval aviation, and changing the perception that the F4F Wildcat was inferior to the Japanese Zero.