With today’s governments always looking at costs down the road, smaller crews means smaller labor costs. Unfortunately, the F100s appear to be replacing the last four remaining FFGs, whether or not the fourth is ordered. Australia loses two to three ships, but hey they gained two with the Anzacs. As far as the three Perths, the RAN added two ex-Newports which will be replaced by the new Canberra LHDs. At most Australia loses two ships, and end up with two very large LHDs worthy of four ex-Newports. The third amphibious ship will replace the Tobruk. In the long run overall, ship numbers and crew members even out, possibly a very small reduction in crew members.

Add a score of F-35Bs with the upcoming Lightning II orders, and the fleet could be transformed with a possible addition of carrier based aviation. Something Australia has been missing since the end of its former carriers, the Melbourne and Sydney. But that may not be affordable, some may call me a dreamer.