Despite your handle, you don't sound like a "twit" or very much "Euro" to me.
Concerning carriers: I'm a retired soldier, that is, one who is not normally found on aircraft carriers. One time, however, I was Fort Monroe, Virginia on TDY (temorary duty). I looked out across what I believe is Hampton Roads (an apparent nautical term which I don't understand since there was no pavement that I could see) and saw the biggest ship I have ever seen. It was a carrier berthed several miles across the water. It was so far away it was just a grey silhouette (sp?). In any case, it was BIG, HUMONGOUS.
Ever since that time I have understood that there are ways other than pure airpower (B52s, etc) to project the power and intent of the Nation.
I can understand your desire to see an HMS Carrier on the horizon. When somebody on a foreign beach sees such a thing, he/she realizes that, depending on their attitude, either major help or a major disaster is on their horizon.
Also it would be nice if the Captain invited one aboard for a sundowner but what the hell, one can't have every thing, can one?
I don't care what any of the rest of the people who read this think, I say from this Texian to you, Thank God for the Brits.
To all and sundry: sorry about the stutter, no excuse.
B14