VX275 _ I think that the point made was that in addition to the Mk1 eyeball a SAR aircraft would also have a surface search radar, FLIR, and other search aids.
The C-130J that the USCG uses is a very different bird to the RAF's C4/C5 which is pretty basic as a SAR platform. The only plus it has is the ability to receive fuel in flight which is something I am not sure if the USCG Hercs can manage.
Still, it is better than nothing and the more Mk 1 eyeballs on task the better. Maybe our ones will carry some SBS types and a Zodiac/Gemini able to be dropped into the sea and to search the hull and picked up by a surface ship (or even a submarine!) later?
MB