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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

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.

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 [:'(] )