how do i get carriers to launch aircraft?

with this game you cant just dive or you could die from unknown level of damage so if i have damage and get further damaged by plane or ship i take my chances on surface fighting to escape. so i don't always have time to pick targets for the gunners while i'm taking evasive actions and plotting escape routes while dodging enemy fire. it would be nice if my own crew tried to help me survive while this was happening lol.

also if electrics are damaged or anytime i see water level rising too fast i blow tanks asap and stay surfaced to reduce flooding untill damages are repaired and water is pumped out. this has gotten me in situations to have to fight my way to escape. i manage to sink the DD depthcharging me and with a head start i try running for it on surface and deck guns are shooting at anything around except the DD steaming towards me.