So they get an RFA to go with them, and since the RFA is there, why not carry some helicopters. The AOR is carrying four Merlins.
As an aside - how many aircraft did Ark Royal carry when we first sent her to the Adriatic in early 1993? As far as I remember she carried Sea Harriers (more than usual), ASW Sea Kings, AEW Sea Kings, and some Jungly Sea Kings. Does anyone know what the actual number was?