thedrifter
01-17-07, 06:45 PM
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. (Jan. 17, 2007) -- Marines from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune’s operational forces had the chance to experience the capabilities of the MV-22 “Osprey” first-hand during MV-22 Marine Air Ground Task Force integration training Jan. 17.
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 provided air support for approximately 250 Marines from 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Logistics Group and 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force. Each Marine received a period of military education on the aircraft and its capabilities and later flew familiarization flights aboard an “Osprey.”
Most Marines have never seen the MV-22 in person, but among those who have, only a handful have had the opportunity to fly in it, said Lance Cpl. Jon P. Ripp, landing support specialist with Transport Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 6.
“It was fascinating being up on the ‘Osprey’ for the first time,” added the Sackets Harbor, N.Y., native. “A lot of Marines think it’s still experimental, which we learned today it’s not. I would trust the ‘Osprey’ because the bird can pick up and get out of a (landing zone) a lot faster if you were being attacked.”
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 is the first MV-22 squadron to become operational. Under Marine Aircraft Group 26 planning, preparation and coordination effort, they continue to train in support of, and gain the approval of Marines, as they push toward a scheduled 2007 deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism.
“We need the ‘Osprey’. It’s the future technology of aviation. Now we’ve taken things a step farther from fixed wing and rotary. We look forward to it because of the increased capabilities it brings to flight,” said Col. Alan B. Will, 2nd MLG Inspector.
Ellie
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 provided air support for approximately 250 Marines from 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Logistics Group and 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force. Each Marine received a period of military education on the aircraft and its capabilities and later flew familiarization flights aboard an “Osprey.”
Most Marines have never seen the MV-22 in person, but among those who have, only a handful have had the opportunity to fly in it, said Lance Cpl. Jon P. Ripp, landing support specialist with Transport Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 6.
“It was fascinating being up on the ‘Osprey’ for the first time,” added the Sackets Harbor, N.Y., native. “A lot of Marines think it’s still experimental, which we learned today it’s not. I would trust the ‘Osprey’ because the bird can pick up and get out of a (landing zone) a lot faster if you were being attacked.”
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 is the first MV-22 squadron to become operational. Under Marine Aircraft Group 26 planning, preparation and coordination effort, they continue to train in support of, and gain the approval of Marines, as they push toward a scheduled 2007 deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism.
“We need the ‘Osprey’. It’s the future technology of aviation. Now we’ve taken things a step farther from fixed wing and rotary. We look forward to it because of the increased capabilities it brings to flight,” said Col. Alan B. Will, 2nd MLG Inspector.
Ellie