Defending the Vessel

[KDCart]

I need some help in the single mission "Defend the Vessel". No matter what I do, I eventually fail. I try sending my wingmen after the bombers, then the escorts when they show up, but no matter what, myself and my wingmen get shot to pieces. And since this mission is "tactical control", once all my wingmen are gone I have no further attempts.

Can anyone suggest a good tactic to use to clear this mission? Also, is it just me, or are the enemies in missions MUCH tougher and more aggressive than they are in training, even set to "veteran" level?