The Allies must travel maximum distance to get to Rabaul, somewhere around 230-260 miles one way. There will likely be only one attack by the bombers/strikers. This leads me to think some of the Lightnings will be laden with fuel AND some with ordnance for jabo strikes to clean up what the strikers cannot or did not hit.
There is a large area of sea (9.7-12.7) where we can hide scouts to intercept the incoming bombers and heavy fighters. If we can get on top of the bombers and shadow their movement we may be able to vector our fighters around the 38s and smack the bombers before they get to western New Britain.
Fields are shown on the map, and as always, ideas and tweeks are welcome!
(Click Map for larger version)
Jabo - There is a typo on the map where 12.7 shows 12.12.