Leon,
I broadly agree with you, but I do think the cuts could have been far better targeted. Getting rid of the Nimrod while keeping E-3 and Red Arrows? I have nothing against either Reds or Sentries, but an MPA is surely much more use to us?
B Word,
Several problems with your suggestion: the RN SK5s are all about to be scrapped, and the E-3 is highly unlikely to see use as a SAR C2 platform due to the difficulty of holding a high readiness (I was told this by an E-3 wallah recently). Even if they managed to get on scene, they would be nowhere near as proficient at providing top cover as a Nimrod crew due to lack of experience/training at the role. Maybe we could have a whip round and send some copies of the IAMSAR manual to Waddington?