Paul Tomblin wrote:

They also didn't have
superchargers, which probably explains why P-38s are thought of as a
Pacific theatre plane.

They're considered a Pacific theatre plane because Ira Eaker wanted to set the
8th Air Force up with only one type of fighter escort (to reduce spare parts
counts and other maintenance issues). Lockheed could not provide enough P-38s to
supply the entire 8th. North American could provide enough P-51s. Eaker had the
Lightnings transferred out.

George Patterson
Why do men's hearts beat faster, knees get weak, throats become dry,
and they think irrationally when a woman wears leather clothing?
Because she smells like a new truck.