Unicorn supplies the armored carrier air group

The Illustrious class's smaller air group and emphasis on sortie generation left less room for spare aircraft and major maintenance. Damaged aircraft requiring substantial work had to move elsewhere so the carrier could continue operating its air group. Mediterranean bases such as Alexandria and Malta could provide repair facilities and replacements, but the Far East presented a different support problem. HMS Unicorn carried that maintenance and replacement capacity forward with the fleet. Her role allowed protected fleet carriers to concentrate on flying operations without accommodating every support function themselves.