I understood that the RAF had an "excessive" manpower problem. In sunny Kernow we have numerous RAF maintainers working for the RN (I understand its the same at Yeovilton).
I was told that this was because of Typhoon, in so much as the RAF recruited lots of guys to work on the Typhoon but because of delays these guys couldn't be employed by the RAF and they were farmed out to work for the RN. Not sure when the RAF are going to get these guys back but its great having them here. Thanks RAF