Posted on 12/07/2010 12:56:04 AM PST by ErnstStavroBlofeld
Marine Medium Tiltrotor squadron 561 became the first MV-22 “Osprey” squadron on the West Coast to begin from scratch during a squadron activation ceremony held here Dec. 2, 2010.
A crowd of Marines and spectators gathered at the ceremony as Lt. Col. Warren J. Curry, the VMM-561 commanding officer, took control of the new squadron.
“These Marines are making history today and are a part something special,” said Maj. Gen. Thomas L. Conant, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing commanding general. “They are part of a great legacy.”
The ceremony commenced with a performance by the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Marching Band, followed by words from Curry.
“We started from scratch, and 18 months later we stand up ready to deploy,” said Curry. “Today starts the day to become a cohesive and disciplined unit ready to serve our corps.”
VMM-561 represented the legacy of the squadron by parking a vintage UH-34 “Sea Horse” helicopter, along with an Osprey, behind a formation of Marines on the flight line.
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 561 flew the UH-34 during the Vietnam era.
Now the MV-22, with its tilt-rotor platform, currently serves the Marine Corps in combat operations in Afghanistan.The Osprey represents a new era of aviation and the future of the medium-lift airframe.
From flying Marines in the early 60s to conducting operations in Operations Iraqi and Enduring freedom, VMM-561 carries its history into the 21st century.
(Excerpt) Read more at marines.mil ...
Have they gotten the bugs worked out of that thing yet?
Good bird, though the civilian locals are likely to complain of noise. Their noise signature is unique.
Well, that’s actually good to know.
I was just remembering all the bellyaching that went on about 10-12 years ago with people moaning about what a deathtrap the Osprey was and how it was sure to be cancelled.
Me? I’ve always been a fan of the Chinook and read a lot about its history, while I was growing up and during my Navy time. Specifically, I remember the teething problems the Army had with that machine — especially with the Air Force sniping at it every chance they got. That was back when the Air Force was doing everything they could to kill off the very idea of Army Aviation.
Because of that, I was pretty sure the Osprey would do OK in the end. Every aircraft, especially new concept first-timers like that bird, go through teething pains. It will be interesting to see what succeeding generations of the aircraft look like and what it can do in the way of variants.
They fly over my house every day and the sound is distinct but very pleasing to the ear. What’s really cool is the jet jockey’s out of New River flying low and fast, you have got to love it.
They fly over my house every day and the sound is distinct but very pleasing to the ear. What’s really cool is the jet jockey’s out of New River flying low and fast, you have got to love it.
I spoke to a Marine on the phone yesterday who told me that there are NO CH-46 squadrons left in the Marine Corps, with maybe one exception in California, all the rest are V-22 now!
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I have seen the Ospreys (as well as the jets) fly along the coast at Topsail Island many times. Very cool indeed!
It is a very good plane.
Cherry Point or Beaufort. New River, with the exception of the C-12s, is a rotary winged air station.
That is true. Had one flying over really low a few months ago.
There are still several west coast squadrons and two at Futenma that have yet to transition. According to the FY2011 Aviation Plan, the Sea Knights will be retired from the FMF in 2017.
{’m just under 5 miles from Top Sail Island.
I’m probably 1/2 hour north of Beaufort as the jets fly. Just north of Wilmington.
Very cool! I love that area.
I am good friends with a couple over in Surf City. I live near Rocky Mount, though.
I think they are flying out of Iruma, but I am not sure. They always fly a route roughly northwest to southeast like they are heading to Chiba.
We moved in this past August.........Osprey overhead as I am typing. Nobody told me it gets this cold though!
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