How to use land based air

[jjdenver]

I've always kind of whiffed on how warplan naval system works so I want to try to understand how to use LBA (land based air).

In a game the Japanese have a couple of fleets out and are invading an island near New Caledonia. Fleets are blockading the island so the US unit there is out of supply.

I have a US fighter wing on another island (I think New Caledonia) nearby (within maybe 4-6 hexes I think). This fighter wing is on active status (not mission mode) and I selected the button that says "bomb fleets" out of the 4 mission type buttons at the top of the fighter air wing - so it should be I think ready to intervene in any naval combats nearby.

Then I sailed a US CV TF into the area. It was intercepted by a Japanese CV TF and a combat fought. Then I used the US CV TF to try to bomb the JP CV TF. The US fighter wing didn't participate in either battle. Why? How do I get LBA involved in the naval combats? If I had a naval air wing (bomber type) would it get involved? I want to try to coordinate use of my fleets with my LBA when they are in the same area but I'm completely failing to do so.

Thanks

[stjeand]

LBA do not assist in naval combat.
LBA fighters will not attempt to intercept anything but enemy LBA or possibly carrier attacks, I forget this, but they will not carrier vs carrier.
LBA bombers set to naval will attempt to intercept enemy naval that stop in range of them and if they have a high enough efficiency (above 50%) and you have enough oil.
I am sure I missed something.

[miljkovics]

You need to keep watchful eye on Oil consumption by your LBA, especially if playing as Japan.
I had cases when my LBA spend 3 oil pts for 2 attack on Allied subs...which as Japan is quite *big* (especcialy if those attacks finish with message that enemy fleet was not found [:'(] )