Quibbling. The question was when has an AV-8 ever been used in a combat role that required STOVL. I provided a historical example. I'm not sure what makes it a "bad" example. Then you go on to wish that the British had retained a carrier that was more capable. I'll be sure to check with you when the USAF is wishing they had a tanker sooner/ bomber earlier / more F-22s. The British (govt, not military) failed to learn that you can't always predict when you will need that little used capability like a carrier, and its a path the US military is being led down now. My two cents.