Given that the RAF assumed the mantle of air defence of the Fleet
Similar experience in Oz that caused some angst in the Navy. RAAF said they could do all the fleet work so the FW branch was folded and our A-4's sold to New Zealand, RAAF didn't have the ability to handle the work, so what to do? Get the Kiwis to base a flight of A-4's in Oz and pay them to do the job.
Was sent on a post cyclone rescue mission, RAAF Herc flew us and our two Navy Hueys to the site, where we were placed under RAAF operational control, two weeks and never turned a blade, all missions were flown by RAAF. Years later was on board a ship that visited the city and at the cockers p the Mayor mentioned that he wished there had been more helicopter support available in the cyclone aftermath. Interservice politics and rivalry, was ever thus.