...This was also done against US advice, which should probably raise a question or two.
Yes, I was just thinking the same thing. Just how much have we hacked off either or both of the USN or USMC with all this fannying about? And if we have seriously p****d them off what longer term impact does that have? At the military level do you get away with just rolling your eyes and saying "Politicians, huh?" or does the damage go deeper?
Still, if the story is confirmed, which looks 99% certain given the leaks to the press, at some point you just have to knuckle down and get on with it. F35B it will be. Another u-turn or major change is unthinkable.
Well, until 2015 anyway.