Paul J. Adam wrote:
{snip}


The cynic in me says the short-term answer to that problem is more and
better carrier battle groups, unless you can guarantee that you have
ready access to well-prepared airbases close to every credible threat.

(Ex-)Prime Minister Tony Blair has been making it clear for several
years that he wanted something done about Rhodesia/Zimbabwe, no
African country was willing to permit use of their airports.

Andrew Swallow