The United States Pacific Fleet had been based in California until May 1940 when it was forward deployed Hawaii as a show of force against Japanese expansionism. This was opposed by Admiral James O. Richardson, Commander in Chief of United States Fleet and a leading expert on the Japanese military, who felt such a move would leave the fleet too vulnerable to a surprise attack. This led to Admiral Richardson being removed from command and demoted to rear admiral, with Husband E. Kimmel selected to replace him. What if Richardson had remained head of the United States Pacific Fleet after its relocation to Hawaii? Would the Pacific Fleet under Richardson be better prepared for a surprise attack? Alternatively, if Richardson manages to convince Congress and President Roosevelt to keep the fleet in San Diego might that leave Japan without and opening and butterfly away its war against the United States?