Good Morning Foldinwings
Good morning Foldingwings,
Don't be so shy and retiring I say, why not come right out and say what you mean. (humour Foldie, just humour).
The aircrews first diversion was the much larger vessel besides the poor ol' little Ejnar Mikkelson. Next of, this was a trial. Need to confirm model data and need to confirm in realistic conditions. By changing which way the pointy end of the ship is, with respect to the waves, you have an immediate effect on "rock & roll". The conditions shown were within predicted acceptable limits.
As for practice, one must always practice. There will always be a time where you need this capability. Normally when such a capability is required the weather is crap. Without practice, chances are you will fail. With practice you succeed. You don't leap in to landing on ships decks in gale force winds, Force 12 wave heights, etc. immediately; You work your way up.
After all the military have a requirement to carry out tasks in all conditions. Can't just stop hunting that Yassen class submarine who is out to get you, just because of a little weather.