The British Royal Navy has formed 824 Naval Air Squadron to provide training for the new Merlin HM1 multi-role helicopter. The first operational unit, 814 Naval Air Squadron, will be formed in October 2001. That unit will turn in its HAS6 Sea King helicopters at the end of this year to prepare for the transition. It will begin getting Merlins in March and have all six when it becomes operational. The unit will then deploy on the carrier Ark Royal, which will return to service at about that time.--Stephen V Cole