Osprey joins fight to support Iraq's war against terrorism

Photo By Master Chief Petty Officer Ja'lon Rhinehart | Task Force Raptor Special Forces Operators (Area IV), Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and 2nd Battalion, 1st Iraqi Special Operations Forces Brigade, Iraqi counter terrorism force prepare to conduct the CJSOTF-AP's first mission using the CV-22 Osprey in Baghdad, Iraq. The mission resulted in the successful capture of two members of al-Qaida in Iraq.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

08.17.2009

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Arabian Peninsula

BAGHDAD — The CV-22 Osprey, the world's first tiltrotor aircraft, whirled into action as an infiltration platform for Iraqi special operations forces during an early-morning mission in Baghdad, Aug. 17.

The Osprey performed its first mission to support an operation to apprehend suspected terrorists. Although the new aircraft was flown by U.S. Air Force personnel, the troops and mission were led by the elite Iraqi soldiers.

"Initially, I think that they [ISOF soldiers] were a little leery of the new aircraft," the Air Force pilot who flew the Osprey during the mission said. "But after using it for the mission, I think we have made the ISOF soldiers believers in the Osprey."

For take-off and landing, the Osprey operates as a helicopter. However, during flight, it operates as a turboprop airplane. The advanced aircraft, named after a bird of prey also known as the Sea Hawk, can transport 24 Soldiers, 20 thousand pounds of internal cargo or 15 thousand pounds of external cargo. These capabilities provide ISOF and U.S. Special Operations Forces with a fast yet versatile infiltration platform.

The mission partnered with the Iraqi troops was a resounding success.

"The ISOF was positioned at the exact drop-off point they have coordinated [and] they were able to quickly prosecute their target," the Air Force pilot said.

The elite Iraqi team successfully detained two individuals and seized a large weapons cache during the mission.

While U.S. forces have withdrawn from major Iraqi cities, Iraqi special forces soldiers have taken the lead in the fight against terrorists. U.S. forces continue to train and support their colleagues in ISOF as outlined in the U.S. and Iraq Security Agreement that went into effect, Jan. 1. The addition of the Osprey provides Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force — Arabian Peninsula and its partners with another capability to defend the people of Iraq from terrorist groups.

"All of the missions I have flown since arriving in theater are very important, with all the missions assisting in stabilizing Iraq and helping solidify the sovereignty of the Iraqi government," the Air Force pilot concluded.

The ISOF soldiers were proud of the successful mission and grateful to the Osprey crew for their assistance. They especially appreciated the ride up, the hover down and the flight home.

• Date Taken: 08.17.2009
• Date Posted: 09.03.2009 22:38
• Story ID: 38344
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ