Nutloose,
Have you ever been in a command role? If so, you would know exactly why he praised those boys and girls - because they deserved praising and he was the right man to do it!
The decision on whether Harrier or Tornado was to be hit by the cuts never had anything to do with doubts over the dedication or professionalism of the people serving on either fleet.
For Pete’s sake, what did you expect Cameron to do? Come on board and tell them they were all sh1t and he was going to can them???????