Question

during world war ii, us naval forces were able to intercept the japanese fleet before it reached midway because
us ships were on their way to japan when they met the outbound fleet.
us ships waited near the island to intercept inbound japanese ships.
us intelligence had deciphered messages laying out the japanese plan.
us warplanes on their way to japan happened to spot the inbound fleet.

Explanation:

The key factor in the US interception of the Japanese fleet at Midway was their successful code-breaking operation (Operation Magic), which decoded Japanese military communications revealing the planned attack on Midway. This allowed the US to position forces strategically to intercept the fleet. The other options do not align with the historical facts of the battle.

Answer:

US intelligence had deciphered messages laying out the Japanese plan.