Originally Posted by SirPercyWare-Armitag
"Sierra Leone 2000 - Op PALLISER classic example of the connect between amphibious and carrier elements in distant expeditionary ops. Air presence missions of RN and RAF Harriers from Illustrious from 17 May onwards proving significant in maintaining escalation dominance of the situation."
Obviously, I quite agree that the carriers make a critical contribution in 1982 but the role of a carrier during PALLISER could have been (and nearly was) replaced by another RAF asset flying from a neighbouring country. I dont believe that PALLISER is a good example of a decisive contribution of aircraft carriers
Forgetting one MAJOR issue to Base RAF aircraft on foreign soil needs Diplomatic clearences sometimes thease aren't exactly forth comming. Whereas an aircraft carrier can sit in International waters.