Mantas having LRC pods is a must along with landing, refueling and repairing at friendly islands, this was a major feature in the old CC.
I recall loading 1 manta with the LRC+couple of missiles and 2 with a full missile load out, send them on their way island hopping (friendly of course), their main aim was to get to islands been attacked and assist with the defence.
The other benefit of the manta-LRC was to travel with a walrus or 2 to neutral islands to convert them to friendly while the carrier head off in a different direction, blowing things up.
Great to see a fantastic game been brought to life again, I agree with what others are saying about the carriers when they meet (game over), after hours of stratagy there needs to be more options.