Fighter planes on board an aircraft carrier, Second World War, c1943. 'A Martlet [Grumman F4F Wildcat] of the Fleet Air Arm, bearing American markings, flies off a British carrier during the African operations, while other Martlets and Seafires are ready to follow. The Fleet Air Arm protected the [Royal Navy] Fleet and transports, covered the landings, and supported the advance.' The FAA is the section of the Royal Navy responsible for the operation of naval aircraft. From "Fleet Air Arm". [His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1943]