According to the rules, one can scramble defending fighters and tactical bombers from island territories only (one space territory) to protect the adjacent sea zone. This means that Japan can protect its sea zone but neither India, Australia or the Weast Coast of the US adjacent sea zones can be protected from its air bases.  This rule seems extremely unfair to the Allies and very unrealistic.  For example my fleet in India or the West coast sea zones can’t be defended by my huge amounts of air there? You mean the US navy is safer in Hawaii than in San Diego?  :? Thats not right! :|

I played my first game house ruling that airbases can defend adjacent sea zone even if not an island, and Japan even won that very close game. If it were not for that that game wouldnt been close, fun or feel extremely satisfying and more realistic.  Any words on any of you or official rules or optional rules being used changing the airbases functionality. Thanks for your comments and clarifying this point. This is one fun game.