The demise of any mil input to UK SAR, while not affecting general civ helo rescue in many circumstances, will have a marked effect on the UK mil's profile in the UK...especially once we have withdrawn from that unwinnable conflict in Afghanistan. What a strange country we now live in where fighting such a distant war is apparently more important than ensuring air force involvement in our own shore and maritime defences. It will also stunt any future military initiatives in this capability as the strategic situation changes around our coasts - a double blow along with the chopping of our LRMP/ISTAR platform capability.
Thus 2010 will stand as the year in which UK plc gave up on any dedicated maritme air capability within its air force. From the 3 major components that formed Coastal Command (and it's later sub versions) from WW2 onwards (ASW, Antiship & ASR (as it was then)) - to nil...s*d all...finito...... Many of course will continue to believe that the Battle of Britain clinched the deal for us in WW2, when in fact it was the continous and brave efforts of our maritime air forces (Coastal & the FAA) that won the Battle of the Atlantic...and from there victory was borne.
Bye bye good friend....many courageous, professional and dedicated people served (and continue to serve for a few years yet) and worked hard with limited resources to develop much of the capability which is now being contracted out.....Goodbye.............
"Constant Endeavour"......no more
