829 NAS decommissions

David Billinge THE ROYAL Navy’s 829 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) – which provided Merlin HM2s for the service’s Type 23 frigates – has been decommissioned at RNAS Culdrose, Cornwall. Crews and aircraft have been transferred to 814 NAS as part of changes to the Maritime Merlin Force based at the station, which are intended to streamline operations with the introduction to service of HMS Queen Elizabeth. The Maritime Merlin Force’s 820 NAS will provide aircraft for the carrier, with 814