Retrocop,
The cuts to the Navy had already gone too far in 1982 during the Falklands.
We had to convert the 'Atlantic Conveyor' a container ship, to land our helicopters. Cruse Ships were comendeered to act as troop carrier / hospital ship. The Falklands was our last solo successful mission. Since then, everything we have participated in was in colloration with other nations.
After the victory over the Argies, the downgrading of our naval ability continued apace.