In the Lt Cdr CO days it was normal to have other Lt Cdrs on the squadron, the authority went with the berth not the rank. I do remember suddenly realising nearly all NAS COs were now commanders but having long returned to civilian life I wasn't aware of the reason. It clearly made sense under JFH that the CO of 800/801/NSW had the equivalent rank to the RAF squadron COs, so I wondered if it spread from there, especially when a number of squadrons were taking on the roles and aircraft of others that were stood down - anyone know the real reason?