Apparently the Vikings have stood down from ASW duties for some time now. Out defense department has decided that submarines are not as much of a threat any more. Over the last four years, strike missions have been deep inland so S-3s have been modified as gas trucks. The ASW gear and the guys in the backseats are long gone.
The Navy feels like the fleet nuclear subs, SH-60's and the Tin Cans can cover for the S3. Didn't this time.