Just because 800 go off to Herrick doesnt mean we can't deploy on Lusty as a Force. There is absolutely no difference between a Navy and RAF Sqn when it comes to the role they carry out.
Unfortunately there are bigger issues at Cottesmore at present than the manning of the Sqns. We coped absolutely fine before with 3 sqns, and we will do now until 801 stand up properly. Whether a sqn is RN or RAF "owned" makes not a jot of difference, it is purely political.
We still have the same number of airframes and pilots as we did a few years back. Just because there are 2 RAF sqns and one RN sqn at the moment doesn't mean the FAA are in any way the poor relations at Cottesmore.
As for the future carriers? If and when we get them there will be no problem with converting to the new aircraft. If we can operate the current jets off CVS without a problem then F35 off a bigger boat will be a piece of cake.
It's not all doom and gloom people.
