PRINCE Andrew joined RAF personnel and Royal Navy staff as they paraded at RAF Benson yesterday to mark one of the base’s helicopter squadrons being officially disbanded.

The former Royal Navy helicopter pilot visited the base near Wallingford as the RAF officially handed over its Merlin HC Mk3 and Mk3A helicopters to the Royal Navy.

As 78 Squadron formally disbanded, the helicopters were handed over to 846 Naval Air Squadron of the Commando Helicopter Force. The event also featured a flypast of seven helicopters, including Merlins.

With the majority of Sea Kings being phased out by 2016, the Navy chose the Merlin as a replacement.

RAF Benson spokeswoman Nikki Hamilton said: “Commando Helicopter Force needed a new aircraft and it made sense to take one already proven for transporting troops.”

Merlins have been deployed on operations in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan, and are capable of carrying up to 24 fully-equipped troops.

Station Commander and Merlin Force Commander Nigel Colman led the official handover to Captain Niall Griffin, Commanding Officer of Commando Helicopter Force.

Group Captain Colman said: “It’s a momentous day here at RAF Benson with the disbandment of 78 Squadron and the handover of the Merlin to Royal Navy command.”

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Hundreds of RAF personnel, Royal Navy staff and their families gathered to watch the parade.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford said those gathered were celebrating the history of 78 Squadron, which dated back “two years short of 100 years”, and praised the contribution of Merlin helicopters in the Falklands, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Admiral Sir George Zambellas, First Sea Lord, added: “Today we in the Navy wanted to recognise our partnership with the air force, both here at Benson and beyond.”

Prince Andrew is Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm.

He served for over 20 years in the Royal Navy and was part of the task force that sailed to the South Atlantic for the Falklands conflict in 1982.

He was joined by Prince Michael of Kent, the RAF’s Royal Reviewing Officer.

The Naval Air Squadron will remain at RAF Benson until the spring, when they and several Merlin helicopters will move to Yeovilton, in Somerset.

The transition will continue at Benson next year when 845 Naval Air Squadron will take over from 28 Squadron, RAF Benson’s other Merlin squadron.

About 250 RAF personnel from 78 Squadron have transferred to other roles.

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