The removal of a dedicated MPA SAR escort was not based on cutbacks but as a result of a risk assessment and prioritising of Nimrod MR2 tasking.
ISTR it was about the time we were cutback from 21 aircraft to 15. Rumour was that the amount of tasking had been miscalculated in town, we were using training funds to do some tasks so they were missed, etc. It was a plausable rumour as we were struggling to cover all our tasks with 21 aircraft. Some also believed that it had been done on purpose to protect other types.
BEags old chap, Nimrod crews knew how have fun and stuck together, us plastic sergeants always made sure there was top cover for our stealing, I believe if an officer is present it is called high jinks! Our skills were finely honed and would be essential in any POW camp
