HH,
Whilst I agree that the RN currently struggles to man their ships at all times, the assertion that a person or trade will be “Big Ships” only is not my experience of how the Navy works.
In my many years of service I served on frigates (x2 ), carriers (Invince class several times), RFAs (Engadine, Argus, Fort boats various) and shore based at home and abroad..
The ability to train for a specific draft or billet is part of the manning process. An example being the 3 months worth of SAMCOs and courses I completed prior to joining RFANSU (as it was called) and the Fort boats as the PO in charge of the workshops.
“Harmony” requirements also come into play as with any Naval draft these days so it will be made to work, although I look forward to hearing how the RAF will cope with life on board. I suppose the younger generation won’t know any different so they will fit right in?
Cheers now