FORMER Royal Navy helicopter pilot Prince Andrew has visited RAF Benson as one of the air base’s helicopter squadrons was officially disbanded.

The RAF officially handed over the Merlin HC Mk3 and Mk3A helicopters to the Royal Navy, with 78 Squadron formally disbanded.

The ceremony also featured the 'standing up' of 846 Naval Air Squadron of the Commando Helicopter Force, at the base, near Wallingford.

Station Commander and Merlin Force Commander Nigel Colman led the official handover to Captain Niall Griffin, Commanding Officer of Commando Helicopter Force, and there was a ceremonal parade with Royal Reviewing Officers.

Prince Michael of Kent, the Royal Reviewing Officer for the RAF, also took part in the parade.

There are about 4,000 people behind at Benson, with 1,800 civil servants, contractors and their families in about 600 houses.

RAF personnel and a marching band exercised the Freedom of Wallingford on June 25, a special privilege the town offers the base.

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