ORIGINAL: JReb
Take a look at Carrier Battles on Steam. Might be what you are looking for. Has 'Very Positive' reviews.
"CARRIER BATTLES is a classic hex-and-counter digital wargame covering the naval-air battles of the Pacific War, from 1942 to 1943. Find your opponent and strike at him before he sinks your precious carriers, while preventing them from invading or supporting your own amphibious operations."
" 11 historical scenarios: Coral Sea May 42, Midway June 42, Eastern Solomon Aug 42, Santa Cruz Oct 42, Guadalcanal Dec 42, Bismarck Sea March 43,
Rabaul 1943, Guadalcanal Feb 1943, Watchtower Aug.42, US Raids Mar 42, Wake Dec 41"
Thanks for the tip. I checked it out on Steam and looked at a Youtube playthru and it does indeed look like it may scratch my itch. It is an Avalon Hill product and seems very polished and capable. Reviews are indeed positive.