For A Change... A Positive Aircraft Sighting In The Skies Over New York!

It sure is a pleasure to detail a story in which aircraft sighted over the city of New York are viewed in a positive light. Two Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys were the first of their kind to fly in New York City’s skies and did so during Fleet Week’s opening day -- the headlines that resulted were all positive (and NO ONE at the White House has had to issue an apology -- grin).

Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – New York, led by the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit showcased their helicopter-airplane hybrid aircrafts belonging to Medium Marine Tilt Rotor Squadron – 162 during Parade of Sail on the Hudson River in New York City.

The Osprey’s “maiden” flight was not only an entertaining event but an opportunity for the Marine Corps to demonstrate their aviation capabilities and innovations to the citizens of New York lining the banks of the river to welcomed them.

“We’re not only hoping to get the ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ from the audience, but to show them the Osprey’s force in readiness,” said Lt. Col. Kent Hayes, executive officer, 24th MEU and SPMAGTF-NY. “We are showcasing an airframe that is very capable and that is what the public demands.”

The Osprey has operationally deployed since September 2007; furthermore, VMM – 162 has proven the aircraft’s capabilities after a successful deployment to Al Asad, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from March to October 2008.

Since the VM-22 began replacing the Vietnam-era CH-46 Sea Knights in 2005, squadrons have been doing what they can to reassure the public that the new aircraft is more than ready for expeditionary operations.

“For the people of New York, we hope to build some confidence by showing the Marine Corps’ newest aircraft flying around their city,” said Capt. Zachary R. Webb, pilot, VMM-162. “[This event] builds confidence in the [aircraft] that we made the transition to and that the Marine Corps has embraced future technology and that we are able to provide the Osprey for display to the citizens of New York.” [ANN Salutes Cpl. Alex C. Guerra, 24th MEU]

FMI: www.marines.mil