The U.S. landed tanks and infantry on the islands via supply ships, which were escorted by several aircraft carriers and destroyers. After landing the tanks and infantry pushed toward the islands largest airfield where the rest of Russias air force was located. There were, however, more stationed on a Russian aircraft carrier which had been sent to the battle. Several days into the battle the USS Ronald Reagan launched attack aircraft which were able to surprise the Russian aircraft carrier by flying below radar. They scored several hits on the carrier and it sunk 129 minutes after being abandoned by its crew. After its sinking the remaining Russian ships retreated back to Russia, leaving a sizable force which would prove difficult for the U.S. to defeat.