I think the thinking at the time was the Japanese would strike our South China Battle Fleet under the command of Admiral Thomas Hart. Hart was a veteran of Asia and as such was more than ready when the time came. He was attacked but did not lose a ship and steamed for the Philippines when he could.
He was relieved for health reasons and his outspoken criticism of the actions taken that day and the strategy employed, later vindicated.
Adm Harr was relieved because our Allies thought him too old and lacking in fighting spirit. Which was ironic, because history shows him to be the most competent of the high ranking allied officers In the area. The only naval victory the ABDA fleet won in the first months of the war was under Hart.