UK Apache's get the attention...HMS Ocean does the work.

I've watched the deployment of the UK's Apache Attack Helicopter to the Libyan War Zone with a bit of "I told ya so" and more than a bit of amusement.

The news media has been so focused on the Apache's that they've missed what many know but don't want to admit.

Forward based, expeditionary (in fact not name) forces are the key to winning the current and future conflicts that the Western world will face.  The Royal Air Force...heck the NATO land air forces have once again demonstrated the limits and weaknesses of land based air power.

Libya. 


A third rate military power.


A nation at war with itself.

A nation that is feeling the full weight of an air campaign being conducted by the most powerful military alliance in the world...still stands.

If there was any lab that should demonstrate the 'coming of age' of modern land based air power thinking then this should be it.


But it isn't.

So what has France and Britain been forced to do?  They've been forced to have Army Aviation operating off Naval Warships to attempt to win the day.

So tell me again how smart it was to retire those Harriers/Carriers?  Imagine if you will this campaign if...
1.  The UK still had Harriers operating off its carriers!
2.  The US was forward leaning and had MEU(-)(+) Reinforced Composite Air Wing (Sea Control) operating off the coast.
3.  Italy was fully committed and had its carrier and Harriers up and flying strikes...
4.  Spain was fully in the fight with its carrier...
Do you get the force of connection here?  Expeditionary Naval Air power could make all the difference.  Air power as exercised by Air Force General's just isn't getting the job done.