The Inskip decision followed concern that the Air Ministry could strip carrier air groups for a Far Eastern reinforcement mission, leaving the fleet without usable aviation for months. Inskip also criticized the ministry's concentration on bombers at the expense of Fighter Command and Coastal Command. Dual RAF and Royal Navy ranks complicated command experience and career progression because a pilot's standing in one service did not always match his standing in the other. Observers remained entirely under naval control and were selected for navigation, reconnaissance, and command responsibilities. Their focus on using aircraft as fleet assets strongly shaped Fleet Air Arm doctrine.
Chapter · 20:16-26:46
Fleet Air Arm control and the observer-led view of air power
The transfer of the Fleet Air Arm to naval control ended a damaging dual-command system and left observers in a strong position to shape doctrine around fleet missions.