It is funny how some people seem determined not to see the wood for the trees. Exercise Steadfast Defender 21 was/is a transatlantic reinforcement exercise, and carriers are needed to make that sort of reinforcement by defending shipping against air and submarine threats.
Some conclusions:
1. The QEC can indeed operate aircraft.
2. We will have ASW Merlins and Lightnings aboard both carriers in the next few weeks.
3. 820NAS can provide 24/7 ASW defence for the carrier group and any forces or shipping being escorted.
4. Carriers are critically important to NATO.
5. The first real mission for HMS Queen Elizabeth, and the first part of the CSG21 deployment, was playing a key role in NATO deterrence activities to help keep the peace.
As for F-35B range - how does it compare with that if the Super Hornet - if they both carry the same load? Do Typhoons launching from Cyprus on Operation Shader missions need tanker support?