Trying to get back......to..............the.................thread.....
Perhaps if 1SL was an aviator not a sub/frigate driver, JFH would still be grooming dark and light blue cloth for JCA. Celebrating a combined success in Libya with the rest of Combat Air and training for STOVL CEPP as we speak.
Equally, if 1SL was a FW FAA chap, perhaps we'd have sold 4 warships to the USN for 'spares' and for a paltry sum..
One does ponder....one path involved removal of an entire capability; the other, a reduction. When viewed that way I often wonder if the fish head side (who run the RN in effect) can be trusted with such important assets as they outwardly seem to 'not get it' too. Now, the FAA seniors certainly do but how many really have clout at the very top? Probably why CAS has always been a pilot.
Just a thought/opinion. Keen to hear other sides of this.