Shore air bases sustain carrier aircraft and retain their crews

Carrier aircraft need a shore base when their ship returns to harbour. F-35Bs and helicopters can technically launch and recover there, but routine harbour flying is undesirable. Launching heavier STOBAR or CATOBAR aircraft introduces further hazards around the port, and a stationary ship loses the wind over the deck provided by its own movement. Shore facilities let pilots, technicians, and engineers maintain aircraft, use spare airframes, and continue their work between deployments. Instructor and support tours can give personnel a couple of years closer to their families, helping retain specialists whom airlines and other employers want to recruit. Early departures increase the cost of recruiting and training enough replacements to operate the force.