First Ospreys In Afganistan (Photos Loaded)

[Jack Cook]

My sister's step-son a NA with VMM-263 just flew the first MV-22B into Afganistan
His first plane ride was in a PT-13D #2 a 4 ship T-6 flight and #3 B-25 flight with P-51D escort.
So I guess it's time to ruin my nephew with airplanes now

Ten V-22 Ospreys, the Marine Corps aircraft that lift off like helicopters and fly like airplanes, were launched into Afghanistan from the amphibious assault ship Bataan on Friday.
The Ospreys, in the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, flew to Camp Bastion. It was the first unit to bring the Ospreys into Afghanistan, according to a statement from the Navy.
There are more than 2,200 Marines and sailors in the unit.
“We have spent more than a year working with the MV-22B and know that the added capabilities this aircraft brings will benefit the Marines currently engaged against the enemy,”
Col. Gareth F. Brandl, commanding officer of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, said in a statement.
The aircraft launched from the Norfolk-based Bataan in three waves; the flight took just over two hours.

Last edited by Jack Cook on Wed Nov 11, 2009 10:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[mustangdriver]

Jack, I hope he has all the luck in the world. The osprey is an impressive machine. The smaller bell version is being tested for medevac missions in the civilian world

[Ztex]

Very Cool!

Let him know we are praying for his safe tour and return.

(and we need pictures! )




http://www.hep.wisc.edu/~ldurand/familyhtml/Travis.html

[jet1]

...should scare some of those 3rd world toilet dwellers to death!

[Jack Cook]

Here's a few has they were leaving the Bataan.

[Robbie Stuart]

Jack, that's pretty Dam-n cool! Hope all goes well!
Robbie

[Ztex]

Awesome!

Thanks Jack!

[the330thbg]

What a cool bird!!!!

Thanks Jack!!!

[Jiggersfromsphilly]

May they always return safely!

[Ian Quinn]

Hope all goes well!

Interesting to see the vortex generators...

[Jack Cook]

the airplane is a waste of our tax dollars I just hope not too many troops get killed in it

The a/c has performced very well on the etire deployment on the Bataan.
The sqd has a excellent safety record and Adam says they're a kick in the pants to fly and really can do the job well and the Grunts love them.
I'll use him has my experts opinion on the a/c.
Has for the cost, well that's all relative now since they're still cheaper than the stimulis to nowhere

[CrewDawg]

Best of luck to your nephew and thank him for everything he's doing! I have always loved the Osprey, I grew up just north of Arlington Municipal where Bell has a flight test facility. I remember seeing and hearing those awesome aircraft fly by back in the early '80's.

BTW, that's not a CAF tramp stamp next to the door on that one picture looking down through the prop/rotor is it?

[McCollum11]

The winks and smiles make me think you already know but in case anyone else is wondering its Marine Combat Aircrew Wings.