Captain's abilities?
 

SH IV 1.5 with TMO 2.0 and Beta patch.

I've noticed in the log that there is a tab on the far right labeled "Captain's abilities". Currently, mine is blank. What is this for?

I apologize if this was in the original manual. Given the overall crappiness of that book, it long ago became a target on my backyard .22 LR range. It's well-perforated now.

In the German campaign, you have the ability to call in airstrikes, friendly cruisers and recon flights depending on your rank. In the American campaign this is removed.

in ze German kampfain (:yawn:) you can order KM/Luftwaffe, and possible fast cruisers to your intercept.

I remember though, that while I was in Rabaul, the destroyers on the entrance got distracted shooting the USAF saving me from certain damage on these shallow waters.