That is still a much different deal than losing an engine while
already down low.

But twin-engined airliners have to be able to deal with that too, e.g.
immediately before or after takeoff. And in any case, is 'down low'
even the
best place for a maritime patrol aircraft to be?


Your last point is well taken. Changes in operational MPA doctirne are
a done deal with MMA.
That said there is plenty of reason to be on the deck for rigging,
SAR, etc. I don't remember what the max altitude for a MK-46 drop is.
The FAR Pt 25engine loss on take off assumes the aircraft will do a go
around and land. Thats what is way differnt than having to maybe claw
out of the worst of wx- like icing conditions- and then fly hundreds
of miles to feet dry.