... wanted the same status as the US Coastguard.
Gimpies in Jayhawks?
No, probably the budget would be nice. ("This is all about cost you know.")
... SAR and CSAR/JPR are poles apart ...
Poles apart? Helicopters, rescue and medical in one package? Different corners of the same chess board maybe.
CSAR is still far too much of a void in the British ORBAT. With my Gunner hat on, a couple of days working with the USAF guys leaves you rather unimpressed with our efforts.
... an outstanding and world-leading capability within the UK military ...
Agreed.
Imagine what could have been achieved with S-92 and AW189.