*Note*
During a conversation with Phil, he hit me with the thought that soon after the F-35B is introduced into USMC service, that we'll see them cross decked on Royal Australian Navy Amphibs. I was so intrigued by the thought that I requested to post his response. It follows...
“BZ F-35B & USS Wasp. Now that the RAN has been out of the carrier
business for almost 3 decades the imminent arrival in service 2014-5 of 2 LHDs
means the possibility of at least USMC F-35Bs (and AV-8Bs) cross decking during
exercises at the very least. The news reports then, if not now, will put the
idea back in some Australian minds about 'why does not the RAN/RAAF get a bunch
of F-35Bs' for use not only on our RAN LHDs but also as 'far north Australia' as
bare base aircraft that can be easily transported via LHD to a Pacific trouble
spot (we have a fractious Fiji for example where HMAS Melbourne used to visit at
least once a year to remind them about stuff). Today the Fijian PM ‘dictator’
does as he pleases - not concerned by any local/regional response. A few years
ago the Fijian Military Dictator “Voreqe Bainimarama, also called Frank 'Barney'
Bainimarama” 'PM' of Fiji, threatened Australian/New Zealand citizens there.
Australia & New Zealand started to put together a rescue mission that
ultimately was not needed. A big flat deck on the horizon always gives 'pause
for thought' IMHO.”
Phil.
I guess that answers the question on why the Australian Navy needs the F-35B!
UPDATE: Shortly after my e-mail exchange with Phil, I ran across this photo of the 11th MEU preparing for its upcoming deployment. Who do we see on deck observing MV-22 ops? Australian service members! I've been so focused on the Aussies acquiring F-35's that we might be missing other bits of gear they might have an interest in. Emphasize might.
