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Quick history lesson:
Between 66 and their election in 1970 Heath's Tories promised to reverse the axing of the carriers, but when they came to power they simply decided to carry on with the policies of the previous government. They tried to make out that they were 'extending' the life of Ark Royal, but her 67-70 'Phantomisation' refit had already taken care of that,- the RN always intended she would remain in service beyond Healy's proposed 1972 decommissioning date and were quietly waiting for a change of government before they said anything publicly. Think about it, a three year refit for two years extra service? Under the original CVA plan Eagle and Ark Royal were both to be 'Phantomised' for service through the 70s to operate alongside CVA-01 until CVA-02 and 03 were completed. After the 66 cancellation the RN proceeded with Arks refit and intended to follow it with Eagles update (which would have only taken 6-9months as the modifications required were very minor), and would have kept Hermes active as a CV beyond 1970 (retaining Sea Vixens) until CVA-01 could be re ordered to keep sufficient air crew trained ready to transfer to the new ship. The Tories reneged on their promises and the FAA was allowed to wither. As a result in 1982 we had over 200 combat ready strike aircraft in service (Phantoms and Buccaneers) but no suitable carriers to operate them from.