What should be made of reports that one Queen Elizabeth-class carrier will become a dedicated commando ship?
Short answerThe idea has recurred for years, but conversion costs and the need to use the available carrier for carrier operations make it doubtful in this assessment.
NotesA dedicated commando role for one of the Queen Elizabeth-class carriers is treated as a recurring proposal. Ideas for commando facilities aboard Prince of Wales have appeared before without settling the issue. Conversion would require money, while the fleet is assessed as usually having only one carrier operational. That available ship is already needed for carrier tasks. The resulting judgment is skeptical that a dedicated conversion will receive the necessary funding.