Biggus
I think 51 Sqn manning had been run down somewhat, but they were often still serving. It seemed like everyone and their dog who'd worked there previously was dragged back to Waddo to staff the RJ.
Unfortunately the similar maritime cadre would have to be retrieved back from their big money jobs in the oil and gas industries, which would be more difficult I feel.
On aircraft choice, would the fact that RAF aircrew have been embedded in the P-8 Test/Eval unit for several years speed up it's introduction into UK service (compared with other types)?