16.07.2010  A Defence Minister has assured local MP, Andrew George, that he will be kept fully informed regarding the future functionality of the Search and Rescue Service at RNAS Culdrose. Last month, the Government announced that the £6 billion contract with Soteria for the future provision of Search and Rescue, including the replacement of the 771 Squadron at RNAS Culdrose, had been suspended.

However, Mr George received reassurance that the service itself would not be jeopardised. He recently questioned the Ministry of Defence about future plans for the maintenance of the Sea Kings after learning that personnel were having to use two craft to keep one operational. He said: “I understand that they are currently having to move pieces of equipment and machinery from one aircraft to another and that there is nothing in the pipeline to correct this very costly and time consuming activity.”

Mr George raised his concerns about maintenance issues and the provision of spare parts with the Ministry of Defence. Peter Luff MP, Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology has now indicated that until the review of the Search and Rescue project had been completed, it would be ‘premature to comment on the future service’ but has promised to keep him posted. In a letter to Mr George, the Minister added: “Despite the fact that the Sea King is an ageing platform it is a credit to 771 NAS that they continue to exceed the required flying rate through integrated support and the dedication of the staff on the ground.”