Is there a way avoid this upgrade? Going from 24 torpedo planes to 18 is criminal! The torpedo bomber is simply the most effective Japanese aircraft when you don't Midway your carriers!
And while I know that historically something like this did happen, I don't want it!

Makes petulant child face.
I was able to stow a carrier's air group in a minor base with a level 1 airfield prior to the carrier getting its much needed (and sadly not very useful flak refit) and the air group didn't change. But when I disbanded the refitted carrier's task group, the change happened.
Thanks if anyone has a clue about this.