I understand that there are usually multiple fatalities among the crew in a carrier battle group, particularly on the carrier and among the crew and flight operations folks, during every deployment. I've seen several accounts about one of the standard parts of being a CAG is to write several letters about lost servicemen during any deployment and that's part of why the job is so hard.
It ain't a safe profession, regardless of all that we've learned. They are "going in harms way" even without an active enemy in the field.
Yes, it's one reason why I have mixed feeling about Australia getting back into the carrier game. Yes, I want us to - as a sailor who tried to plan a career on carriers only to see Australia get out of the business, I want to see them come back (even if the limited form that is likely) but I think that after twenty five years our media won't be able to handle the fact that this is a dangerous profession. Their reaction to the loss of a RAN Sea King last year shows that.
People need to understand that the job can be dangerous - and people join up understanding that. The risk is worthwhile.
Honestly, I think it's the anti-military nature of the media at work. They get that firefighters and police have a dangerous job, but they see what they do as noble enough to risk your life for.