Bomber squadrons declining missions

[Molon Labe]

This has been happening enough, and with specific squadrons, that I need to ask about it. I have three squadrons that are sitting out missions that other squadrons at the same location are happy to do. Any idea what might cause that? The potentially relevant data are:

Sq 1: No273 RAF
Aircraft: Vildebeest III
Aircraft operational: 6
Location: Singapore
Primary mission: Naval attack
Secondary mission: none
Altitude: 5000, 8000, 10000 attempted
Range setting: 4, 6 (drop tanks on)
Armament: Torpedoes
Commander: Leadership 53, Inspiration 57, Naval 21, Land 21, Air 61, Admin 58, Aggression 66
EDIT: Pilot Fatigue: 0-1; Pilot Morale: 99-100
Air HQ present: Yes
Escorts available: Yes, number variable but usually in the teens
Targets available: Small surface task forces (e.g. 1 CA 2DD), supply convoys with ASW escorts
Opposition: Oscar Ics on LRCAP in some instances
Notes: Wirraways from the same base are regularly making low-level attacks on these targets, Level bombers attacking as well when set to do so.

Squadrons 2 & 3: VS-8, VB-8
Aircraft: SBC-4 Helldiver
Aircraft operational: 18
Location: USS Hornet
Mission settings: Naval Attack with no secondary. Naval search, 30-60% tried, (Naval attack). Naval attack (port/air attack). Port/Air attack with no secondary. [port/air attack missions had a specified target in range]
Altitude: 14000 and 15000 attempted
Range setting: mostly 6 (tried with drop tanks on and off)
Commander VS-8: Leadership 56, Inspiration 64, Naval 54, Land 25, Air 62, Admin 61, Aggression 68
Commander VB-8: Leadership 60, Inspiration 65, Naval 57, Land 27, Air 65, Admin 58, Aggression 70
Commander USS Hornet: VADM Mitscher: Leadership 68, Inspiration 72, Naval 54, Land 25, Air 85, Admin 56, Aggression 73
EDIT: Pilot Fatigue: 0-1; Pilot Morale: 99-100
Sorties available: YES
Escorts available: Yes, 12-27 F4Fs throughout relevant time period
Targets available: Troop convoy with light cruiser and ASW escorts, multiple-BB surface combat task force, large airfield/port with moderate AA, small airfield/port with token AA.
Opposition: Task forces and large base had 30 Zeroes; mostly allocated to escorting Netties but did fly some LR CAPs over the SCTF. No fighters at small base.
Notes: Two other carriers 1-3 hexes away hit the available/assigned targets without issue. TB-8 aboard Hornet attacked available/assigned targets without issue.

Any suggestions are appreciated. The Hornet's bombers not flying in particular is a huge problem because it reduces the Hornet to an escort carrier until it's solved. Fighting a major battle with one hand tied behind my back was not fun. Thanks in advance!

[RangerJoe]

Even then, the Hornet is not an escort carrier since it has better AAA, armour, and speed.

Check the leadership.

Set the torpedo planes lower with no drop tanks.

[Molon Labe]

Thanks, I'll try leaving the drop tanks off on all 3 and keeping the TBs low.
Is there a floor for any stats on leaders that I should be wary of when "checking" the leaders?

[DConn]

Especially the Wildebeasts. I suspect they cannot carry torps when they have DTs (but can't remember for sure).

[Molon Labe]

I just looked up both, and yes, the DT is on the same hardpoint as their primary weapons. So it's very likely that's the problem, even though I've tried leaving the DTs off some of the time--smaller sample size means weather etc. can explain it away.

[Admiral DadMan]

I think Hornet's dive bombers also have the either/or drop tank issue. Try without drop tanks.

[Molon Labe]

It may be awhile before I can report back on the TBs as my fighters have been worn down there and need time to recuperate.

As for Hornet, removing the DTs resulted in VS-8 flying a strike mission (in addition to naval search), but VB-8 still sat on the deck. It's something.

[RangerJoe]

It also depends upon what is identified as the target. The computer will send out what it figures to be enough, not the entire strike force.

[Molon Labe]

Good news, the Vildebeests just few a mission and tagged IJN Kako with a torpedo. I think it's safe to say you're correct and the tanks were the problem.

Thanks!

[RangerJoe]

You are welcome.