Branch Fanatic
your support for the RN and amazing detailed knowledge is well respected ( my original posting from Valley was to Buccs ,probably on Ark Royal ,until it was cancelled when Denis Healey withdrew his support for carriers back in the 60s )
BUT there is a current debate going on in the States over the viability of carriers in the future and we do seem to be devoid of essential items / manpower for the realistic defence of the UK so it is reasonable to continue the debate over where to best spend the money.
A big reason to keep the carriers of course is the vast amount of money already spent.