Ospreys Join the Afghan War

[unhappycamper]

Ospreys Join the Afghan War
November 09, 2009
Knight Ridder/Tribune

Ten V-22 Ospreys 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.

"I am very excited to have these new birds here," Lt. Col. William Depue, executive officer for Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced), said in an official Corps announcement of the Osprey's arrival in Afghanistan. He sais the Osprey's increased speed and range will "cut the size of the area of operations in half."


Rest of article about the $70 million dollar Osprey at: http://www.military.com/news/article/ospreys-join-the-afghan-war.html?col=1186032325324