For the first time, the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit flew 10 MV-22B Ospreys into Afghanistan today, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The Osprey aircraft is designed to lift-off the ground like a helicopter and fly like a plane. It's a multi-faceted engineering that allows the aircraft to operate well in a desert setting.
The aircraft, part of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 will be transferred to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 and serve as part of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade's Aviation Combat Element.
The 22nd MEU was the first Marine Expeditionary Unit to conduct a ship-based deployment with the tiltrotor aircraft in September 2008, and was also the first squadron to deploy with the aircraft to Iraq in 2007.
"It is a great honor for us to support 2d MEB and we are proud to be the first unit to bring this aircraft into Afghanistan," said Col. Gareth F. Brandl, 22nd MEU commanding officer. "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."
The Ospreys flew off in three waves today, making the flight in just over two hours.
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