Part of the problem with the 1942 scenario is how strong Germany is. She can grow quickly due to her large income base. The needs of the European Theatre will dictate what USA can do in the Pacific. As in the real war, Europe was the main target initially.
You may get lucky enough to support the allied effort with only a few transports and an a/c. The UK royal navy hopefully can pick up the remainder of the slack. Getting/keeping Africa helps keep UK in the money, enough to fight the Germans.
If the US is going pacific, I would always try to have at least one loaded transport with each battle group. If you ‘chain’ the groups, the other groups, being set-up as a counter, can often deter any japanese offensive thrusts. It is not an easy battle, but tying up Japanese resources can be fruitful.
I like getting established in the solomons, and if you wanted to try something agressive against Japan, build an IC in India for UK. US fighters from sz46 can land in india to support the IC. Another ftr supply route is sz56 (a/c) to Australia to India.