yr correct, that's what I meant by it's not the whole story.
...but given similar payload types it is MOST of the story and why the US deploy carrier based air power so much.
Anyone who tries to argue that Tornadoes and Typhoons (+ huge support tail) based 1200 miles away in Gioia is more effective than carrier based air 20nm off Libya is nuts. There will be times when shore based air is better but Libya is not the example.