 Shima was promoted to vice admiral on 1 May 1943, and on 15 February 1944 became Commander in Chief of the IJN 5th Fleet.During the Battle of Leyte Gulf, 23–26 October 1944, Shima led the "Second Striking Force" of three cruisers and seven destroyers in the Battle of Surigao Strait.Vice-Admiral Shōji Nishimura′s and Vice-Admiral Shima's fleets were collectively called the "Southern Force".