Merlins go Commando at Benson
The first of the Royal Air Force’s Merlin HC3/3A transport helicopters have been handed over to the Royal Navy’s Commando Helicopter Force (CHF).
In a ceremony on 30 September, 78 Squadron RAF disbanded and 846 Naval Air Squadron (designate) stood up at RAF Benson.
The decision to transfer the Merlins to the CHF was made in the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR). Around 320 RN personnel had been at Benson working alongside their air force counterparts for the last 18 months preparing for the handover.
‘Transitioning the force, while engaged initially in Iraq and Afghanistan has been above
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