FL
As the amended post now says, in a few months time
Illustrious will probably relieve
Ocean. Try a FOI request to find out about costs. She will not need any higher level of escorting than
Ocean currently has. Having Harriers would make her much more effective, and significantly add to the UK's capabilities in theatre. She could even embark foreign (USMC perhaps?) Harriers.
FnF
Are you saying that the issues relating both to current and future operations, and to training personnel in time for CVF, should not be discussed? All the quotes and links relate to these.
In fact
comments on the CHF/Merlin Mk4 thread hint at some of the issues involved in Apache being used in a long term maritime role, and of the the role of the ship in flying operations.
B_PLT - OCEAN found it quite hard work to embark, train and integrate the Apache. Ship's Air and AE Dept are working hand in hand with the REME LAD to keep it going, but it is not an ideal situation, and some fairly hefty changes would have to take place if it were to become an enduring task (i.e. continual re-embarkations).
AAC (all of them from CO downwards) are carrying out Sea Survival training to make them safe to go to sea, adding to the training burden of the Squadrons.
So what of all of this? Like any squadron embarking, there is faff and hard work required by all concerned to make it happen, but crucially the Air and AE Department (all WAFUs) have been the key enablers.
HMM
Yes, try the US Marine Corps, and the navies of Italy, Spain, India, and Thailand.
LJ
Thanks for that. Lots of people (including the First Sea Lord, CINCFLEET, the heads of the US and French Navies, the Defence Commitee in the House Of Commons, and the National Audit Office) disagree.