Nothing to do with the number of ships. The number of "stars" is driven by the requirement at that level both in UK Mil jobs and in Joint jobs within NATO and Allied organisations. As UK plc wishes to be represented at "star" level within NATO etc additional posts will be required to be filled over and above the national requirement. Add to that the requirement within the procurement organisation for "star" level directors then one can see why there are more Admirals, Generals and Air Marshals than the number of formations demand. It is a non story.