WhiteOvies,
your question
Would the Royals on the Al Faw have appreciated some dedicated sea-based CAS in 2003?
, if I read it correctly, displays a staggering lack of knowledge about how air power is employed.
You do say
yes I know the Harriers were busy elsewhere in Telic at the time!
, and I wonder whether you think that putting them on a ship would have changed this?
Of course, it would be lovely if everyone could have their own dedicated jet - but not even the US has enough assets to afford to do that - why do you think the air (including Marine air) that flies off the US ships is tasked and commanded by the JFACC?
OK, if there was a single-nation, small-scale intervention in which we only used carrier air [which is the scenario for which we are buying CVF], it would
feel like dedicated support - but if you look at our (joint) doctrine carefully you'll appreciate that isn't exactly what happens - and for good reason.