U.S., U.K. Aviation Partnership Thriving in Afghanistan [Image 2 of 9]

CAMP BASTION, AFGHANISTAN

07.27.2010

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Steven Williams 

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar

United Kingdom Cpl. Mark Bone, an arming landing point commander with 664 Squadron, Army Air Corps, gets a quick seat belt lesson from U.S. Marine Sgt. John Leist, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), before a flight aboard an MV-22B Osprey here July 27. He was going to need it. He and his fellow soldiers, with the 664 Squadron, took a wild ride on the Osprey as VMM-365 used the orientation flight to familiarize the U.K. soldiers with the aircraft's aerial prowess. The U.K. soldiers were invited to the squadron to see how the U.S. aviation crews work. It was one of several visits as both country's aviation service members visited each others' squadrons. Both services were amazed at the similarities in operations and squadron layouts. However, the 664 Squadron soldiers learned something about the Marines’ Ospreys. The soldiers are familiar with agile aircraft because they work with AH-64D Apache light attack helicopters over on the other side of the flight line. However, the smiles seemed almost permanent as the soldiers finished their ride on the much-larger Osprey, boasting how impressed they were with the aircraft's capability to pull off roller coaster-like moves.

• Date Taken: 07.27.2010
• Date Posted: 09.11.2010 23:24
• Photo ID: 317513
• VIRIN: 100727-M-0472W-059
• Resolution: 5616x3744
• Size: 8.15 MB
• Location: CAMP BASTION, AF