Someone once told me the PR value of those big friendly yellow helicopters was 'priceless'...



Given that the RAF will have an even more reduced footprint in terms of aircraft, bases and personnel, does it make sense to get rid of one of the few ways in which Joe Public are aware of the RAFs (+RNs) work which has a direct, positive impact on saving UK lives....

Kestrel

No.

But when did value figure in the bottom line - which is all we're interested in nowadays.

You're right, though; post Afg what visibility will the Armed Forces have in the public eye? Little, I suspect. Which then makes Defence easy pickings for cuts in the future.

One day, we'll wake up and it'll all be a bad dream :hmm:

The armed forces do not exist just to be seen and have a high profile with the public, cutting mil sar would be a huge shame but keeping it mil just so people can see us doing stuff other than fighting isn't right either.

BBC News - Search and rescue fleet 'could be privatised'

At 47 seconds there are a pair of maintainers marshalling the aircraft. One with his sleeves rolled up and one who doesn't believe in eye protection.....

Jay

I don't think anyone is even remotely suggesting the Forces should exist just to be seen - however, even with the latest cuts, the budget is still a big chunk of taxpayers money and I think they need to know what you're bringing to the party. There is precious little positive profile at the moment, much less with the demise of mil SAR. Aside from Afghanistan and the odd bit of MACP eg troops (inc RN and RAF) shovelling snow, some of the few 'good news' stories coming out of MoD are to do with the professionalism and bravery of RAF / RN SAR crews.

The point is, it won't take much for JP to ask, post Afg - what exactly do you do?

The problem is I am so cynical about everything now, experience show us that anything could and will happen and I am afraid no ammount of good news stories or high profile press will make any difference.

So, with the demise of Harrier and if the Merlins don't go to the Junglies, and if SARH disbands 771 and Gannet, how big/small will the FAA be in 5 years time? Will it be sustainable then or will l
the light blue brethren need to get used to spending time afloat flying of the back if Pussers' big grey war canoes!

Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Air Force anyone?
;)

That would leave 30 Merlin HM.2s, about the same number of Lynx Wildcats and the ASaC cabs. Could the FAA justify keep Culdrose and Yeovilton open? Plenty of room at VL for the grey fleet, 750 could decamp to Cranwell as part of MFTS, SFDO to wherever Dave is based, FRADU back to Bournemouth or even St. Mawgan -sorry, Newquay Cornwall Airport. I guess the Fire School could merge with the Manston establishment.

Ouch.:sad:

Bear in mind that Yeovilton won't just be home to the Navy Wildcats, but also the Army and Marine examples as well, so that's 62 aircraft, and the potential for a handful more to come. VL will be a very busy place.

Does that mean that Middle Wallop will close?

No, Middle Wallop is needed to house DHFS when Shawbury closes...

Or will it be Lyneham in 2017?

So where does MFTS fit into military helicopter training in all this....?

BBC: Search and rescue helicopter announcement delayed

16 December 2010 Last updated at 08:46

The government has postponed a planned announcement about the sell-off of the UK's search and rescue helicopters.

A foreign consortium had been due to take over their running from the RAF.

But the government "had become aware of a possible issue in connection with its bid" within the past 48 hours, said Transport Secretary Philip Hammond.

He said that "as soon as we are able" the government would set out its plans "to secure the provision of search and rescue helicopter capability".

Possible Issue
 

What issue has just come to light then? Don't go needingvto be rescued in the Falklands :D

Slightly off topic, but government announcing its cutting coastguard centres from 18 to 8, of which only 3 will be 24/7, and this is going to improve current levels of service....

How?!?!

I'm guessing the intention was to announce this and SAR-H at the same time... A good time to bury bad news?

BBC News - Coastguard stations set to be slashed

Essentially,

Aberdeen, Dover and Lee on solent remain 24 hrs.

Swansea, Falmouth, Humber, Belfast or Liverpool, Stornoway or Shetland go to daylight only

The rest will close

Coastguard Station closures
 

First post please bear with me.

The cost of SAR-H is escalating at the same time the MCA has announced station closures - but since last month, and continuing for at least a year the MCA is spending thousands on a roll-out of new computer systems and upgraded radio systems in ALL 19 stations.:ugh:

So much for saving money. At the same time the MCA is still advertising low paid vacancies.

How can this be justified ?

Too much overpaid middle management & meddlers in situations that they do not understand.:ugh:

This has a major impact on all aspects of SAR. No DF, 3 full time stations, no local knowledge - how can we at the coalface direct SAR assets ?
Part time SAR does not work 9-5:rolleyes:

Thoughts ?

Great isn't it.

The Far SW has the longest coastline but won't be getting much in the way of cover.

But this is an improvement in service!! It'll be better! :ugh: