It is and always was lack of funding-shortage of trained personnel-which is again caused by lack of funding. I used to be a SAR buffalo pilot-38 years ago in comox flying those same planes that are still doing the job. Even in those days it was not unusual on a search to have 1 aircraft designated a hanger queen to rob for spare parts because we couldn't get any. We used to hold 1/2 hour standby during the day and 2 hours on the weekend and overnight-same as it is today. We would shift hours around or deploy for special events like Herring roe-but the squadron did not have enough manpower to hold 1/2 hour standby 24/7. If you were going to do that you would need extra aircraft, pilots, maintainers etc. Basically-more money!! I don't know any SAR pilots who took 2 hours to get launched on a 2 hour stand-by.There are very few people in this world who are as dedicated to doing a great job under crappy conditions as an Airforce SAR crew. The politico's decide where the money and emphasis is placed and to be honest I don't think it is in SAR of any type.