Iconic Brand
Walking along Robin Hoods Bay on Sunday afternoon with the family. Daughter spots the Sea King, obviously hoisting to the North. Job done, the aircraft moves purposefully but gracefully past at low level and away southwards, the loadie waving to the punters below as they go by.
The RAF has an iconic brand here, the bright yellow SAR SK generates huge goodwill from Joe Public when going about its business, because just about everyone in the UK knows that the RAF (and the RN) are on call, 24/7 and will come and get you out of the proverbial.
Alas, the first responders appear to be out on a limb compared even to their JHC brethren and are definitely an afterthought for the RAF FJ (tunnel visioned ?) Head Shed. Would it make any difference if SAR was moved across to JHC ? Would the AAC / RN be happy to take up the mantle...?