Marine Corps to base 2 MV-22 squadrons at Kaneohe Bay

Associated Press/The Republic ^ | 15 August 2012 | AUDREY McAVOY

[moonshot925]

HONOLULU — The Marine Corps will base two squadrons of its latest transport aircraft, the Osprey, and one light attack helicopter squadron at Kaneohe Bay, the Department of the Navy said Wednesday.

The MV-22 Osprey takes off like a helicopter and flies like an airplane. The Marine base will have 24 Osprey aircraft in total.

The Marines won't use Ospreys to train at Kalaupapa on Molokai as earlier proposed, out of concern the aircraft could affect archaeological resources next to the airport, the Navy said in the document announcing the decision.

The Navy made the decision after issuing an environmental impact statement.

[moonshot925]

[sonofagun]

This is one awesome aircraft. Of course I’m just a little biased since my son flies these for the USMC.

[BluH2o]

Recently visited the V-22 Osprey training squadron at New River (Camp Lejeune). Interesting aircraft, in flight mode ... except for landing and take off ... it is very quiet. It is fast becoming a Special Forces aircraft of choice for longer range operations.

[USMCWife6869]

Next time you are in that area, let me know. I work at New River. I’d love to meet a fellow FReeper.

[BluH2o]

Part of a Marine reunion group visiting Camp Lejeune as guests of 2 MAR DIV. All of us had served at Lejeune at one point in our Marine career. The closest we got to New River back then was a month @ ITR Camp Geiger. The visit to MCAS New River was one of the highlights of our two days at Lejeune. Semper Fi ...