Photo By Sgt. Christopher J. Moore | A U.S. Navy MH-60S with the Blackjacks of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21, departs...... read more read more
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AT SEA - The roar of propellers was heard across the flight deck of the ship as Marines and Sailors worked vigorously together to successfully land their aircraft aboard the future amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) for the first time ever, just hours after her departure from Ingalls shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., July 11.
It was all in a day’s work as Sailors and Marines merged their training to complete their mission of landing MV-22 Ospreys and MH-60 Seahawks aboard the ship.
America is currently carrying more than 1,000 crewmembers, many who are experiencing their first time at sea.
“A lot of my Marines have never been on a ship before,” said Sgt. Daniel Zawicki, a crew chief with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force South. “It presents a new challenge for us, but whenever the Navy and Marine Corps comes together, we make a great team.”
America is carrying Marines and Sailors from SPMAGTF-South on her transit around the South American continent. The SPMAGTF will utilize the MV-22 to transport Marines and Sailors from ship to shore for all of their upcoming partner-nation engagements.
The Sailors and Marines showed their prowess as they worked together to land the aircraft, setting the standard as they concluded the mission.
“It’s a pleasure to work with the Navy,” said Staff Sgt. Joshua Rochat, a quality assurance chief with SPMAGTF-South. “The Sailors and Marines performed great today, which is why we’re always a force in readiness. We’ve received a great deal of help and support from them.”
The Marines praised the design of the ship as it accommodates their needs.
“The America is perfect for the V-22,” Rochat said. “The flight deck couldn’t be better for our aircraft. Everything is laid out perfectly for us to accomplish our mission.”
America is transiting through U.S. Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations en route to its assigned homeport, San Diego. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet employ maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations in order to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships that foster regional security in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.
Through partner-nation port visits, key leader engagements and security cooperation activities, Sailors and Marines will demonstrate the flexibility, utility and unparalleled expeditionary capability the Navy-Marine Corps team provides our nation and partners.
| Date Taken: | 07.11.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 07.20.2014 00:57 |
| Story ID: | 136626 |
| Location: | AT SEA |
| Web Views: | 732 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Marines, Sailors conduct first-time flight operations aboard USS America, by Sgt Christopher J. Moore, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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