Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher Lindahl | 180712-N-DN355-094 MCAS New River, N.C., (Jul. 12, 2018) – Rear Adm. Roy Kelley,...... read more read more
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The maiden flight departed Naval Station Norfolk traveling to Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River in Jacksonville, N.C. with two pilots and two air crewmen of Airborne Command and Control and Logistics Wing (ACCLOGWING) Medium Tilt Rotor Training Squadron Detachment (VMTT Det.) 204.
Rear Admiral Roy Kelley, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic, accompanied the crew on their historic flight. Kelley used this opportunity as an introduction to the aircraft as well as the Sailors of VMTT Det. 204, who will be the first detachment to operate and maintain the Osprey as it transitions into the fleet. This addition comes with a merger of skilled fixed-wing and helicopter Sailors forming a melting pot of expertise as the new Osprey community emerges.
“Let me start by saying thanks for what you’re doing here,” said Kelley during an all-hands call with the Sailors of the detachment. “You are all pioneers and as we move into a new platform and I think you all really have an opportunity to lay the keel for where this community is going to go.”
The Osprey’s unique vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities mirrors a conventional helicopter while also having the long-range cruise abilities like an airplane.
“I used to work on MH-60R [helicopter] aircraft, they’re a pretty smart aircraft but the Osprey will tell us almost to the ‘T’ what’s wrong with it,” said Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Samantha Moore who was recognized by Kelley during his visit for her exceptional maintenance work and leadership. “The screens are much more descriptive and there’s so much room to work on this aircraft. It’s mind-blowing compared to the helicopters.”
As the Osprey is introduced to the fleet, it will replace the fixed-wing C-2A aircraft to meet operational demands and enhance the Navy’s logistics support mission. The tilt-rotor aircraft will deliver personnel, mail and cargo to/from aircraft carriers from land-based supply centers as it is integrated into the fleet.
“We’ve learned a lot about the Osprey; it’s easier to operate, there’s newer technology pumped into the cockpit of this aircraft and it’s a lot easier for us to maintain,” said Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment) Richard Keillor, VMTT Det. 204’s Aviation Life Support Systems division chief. “The Osprey’s lift capability is greater and it is capable of aerial refueling, making its range greater than that of the C-2. This aircraft also eliminates the need for arrested landings and assisted take offs because the Osprey takes off and lands like a helicopter. This thing really encompasses the best of both worlds.”
ACCLOGWING Deputy Commodore, Capt. Matthew Duffy, spoke about the significance of this day to the future of Naval Aviation and Navy history.
“Today’s visit was special,” said Duffy. “We had an opportunity to accompany Rear Adm. Kelley, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic, down to Marine Corps Air Station New River to visit the 70 Navy Sailors, the plank owners, the first generation of pilots, air crewmen and maintenance technicians that are in training, right now, to fly the Osprey. Today was also a historic day because our flight with Rear Adm. Kelley was the first time that the entire flight crew for the Osprey was all Navy, both pilots both crew chiefs for the first time in history. This was truly a special day for Naval aviation and another milestone in the Osprey program.”
| Date Taken: | 07.12.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 07.13.2018 10:30 |
| Story ID: | 284123 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 245 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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