Is it possible to combine air units?

[killrbkilled]

Ques 1 - If I have 2-3 beat up air groups is it possible to combine air units of the same type from different groups into one group like you can with naval TFs? If so how?
Ques 2 - My bombers get smacked by defenders CAP fighters so how do I get my fighters to fly cover for bombers? Or get fighters to escort bombers on bombing runs.

[bilbow]

1. Disband or withdraw. See the manual for details
2. Set fighters within range, preferably from the same base as the bombers, to "escort". The fighter "sweep" is also useful for softening up CAP over the target. Details in the manual

[Halsey]

If your bombers are set to a specific target hex, make sure your fighters also have that hex targeted. Adjust their CAP setting to insure more fighters fly the mission. Match your air units ranges so that they are the same.

Aircraft of the same type must be located in the same hex to recombine. Withdraw transfers AC only. Disband transfers both AC and pilots. Units disbanded will return in 90 days at zero strength.

For the Japanese player this is how you keep your CV based AC up to strength. Use land based AC of the same type and disband them into the CV groups. Sometimes you will have to break the airgroup into smaller units to accomplish this correctly. This will help you in starting up a training cycle to keep your naval trained airgroups up to strength.

[MikeH1952]

How can you avoid changing the command status of the carrier unit?
I did this twice and both times the carrier unit became part of Home Defence Command instead of Independent. I cannot seem to change it back even though I have loads of PP.
Have I made an error?