Someoneforyou
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UNITED STATES - 2 MARCH 2011
PACIFIC OCEAN | USS Makin Island (LHD 8) became the first west coast ship to conduct flight deck operations with the MV-22 Osprey on Mar. 1.
The MV-22 Osprey is a tilt rotor aircraft flown by the U.S. Marine Corps, which utilizes vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL). Until recently, the MV-22 has seen limited use aboard large deck ships due to its unique design and the modifications required for large deck amphibious ships.
Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain Mate (Handling) Ken Murray, the Air Department flight deck leading chief petty officer, spoke of the challenges encountered and steps the department took to prepare for this evolution.
"We were given just over a week's notice that this was going to happen and had only four personnel who had prior experience directing an Osprey onto a flight deck. Fortunately, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 166, is based out of MCAS Miramar, so we were able to coordinate a hands-on training with all our personnel at the air station and also speak to subject matter experts at Afloat Training Group (ATG)," stated Murray.
Aviation Boatswain Mate Handling (ABH) 2nd Class (SW) Mark Anthony Padrigo, who participated in the training, hadn't directed an Osprey since 2003 while stationed aboard USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7). As the first Handler selected to direct the MV-22 Osprey onboard, he spoke of the experience associated with performing this duty with all eyes watching.
"It's a great honor that the department and my chain of command put their faith in me to direct the first Osprey onto USS Makin Island. Being in the spotlight is one element but there is the physical challenge that also plays into it. The environment is so intense because you have downdraft winds created by the aircraft's propellers," Padrigo said.
Following the successful flight deck operation, Murray added, "it was an honor to be selected as the first among the west coast ships to bring the Osprey on deck. Air Department personnel executed flawlessly and displayed true professionalism. We look forward to continuing this partnership with the Marine Corps when we deploy later this year."
PACIFIC OCEAN (March 1, 2011) An MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 166 approaches the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). This is the first time an Osprey has conducted flight operations on a west coast amphibious assault ship since being introduced to the fleet.
PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 17, 2011) An AV-8B Harrier assigned to the Black Sheep of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 214, front, prepares for takeoff as another lands aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Makin Island is conducting AV-8 operations in preparation for an upcoming deployment.
PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 29, 2011) A Close-In Weapons System is tested aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Makin Island is underway conducting drills and training in preparation for its first deployment.
File Photos: USS Makin Island (LHD 8) is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship. Length: 257 meters.
The Wasp class amphibious assault ship is a group of United States Navy ships designed to land forces on hostile shores and transport troops by helicopter for the United States Marine Corps. The class's ships are the largest vessels of this type in service anywhere in the world.
U.S. Navy Wasp-class amphibious assault ships (LHD):
USS Wasp (LHD-1)
USS Essex (LHD-2)
USS Kearsarge (LHD-3)
USS Boxer (LHD-4)
USS Bataan (LHD-5)
USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6)
USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7)
USS Makin Island (LHD-8)
PACIFIC OCEAN | USS Makin Island (LHD 8) became the first west coast ship to conduct flight deck operations with the MV-22 Osprey on Mar. 1.
The MV-22 Osprey is a tilt rotor aircraft flown by the U.S. Marine Corps, which utilizes vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL). Until recently, the MV-22 has seen limited use aboard large deck ships due to its unique design and the modifications required for large deck amphibious ships.
Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain Mate (Handling) Ken Murray, the Air Department flight deck leading chief petty officer, spoke of the challenges encountered and steps the department took to prepare for this evolution.
"We were given just over a week's notice that this was going to happen and had only four personnel who had prior experience directing an Osprey onto a flight deck. Fortunately, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 166, is based out of MCAS Miramar, so we were able to coordinate a hands-on training with all our personnel at the air station and also speak to subject matter experts at Afloat Training Group (ATG)," stated Murray.
Aviation Boatswain Mate Handling (ABH) 2nd Class (SW) Mark Anthony Padrigo, who participated in the training, hadn't directed an Osprey since 2003 while stationed aboard USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7). As the first Handler selected to direct the MV-22 Osprey onboard, he spoke of the experience associated with performing this duty with all eyes watching.
"It's a great honor that the department and my chain of command put their faith in me to direct the first Osprey onto USS Makin Island. Being in the spotlight is one element but there is the physical challenge that also plays into it. The environment is so intense because you have downdraft winds created by the aircraft's propellers," Padrigo said.
Following the successful flight deck operation, Murray added, "it was an honor to be selected as the first among the west coast ships to bring the Osprey on deck. Air Department personnel executed flawlessly and displayed true professionalism. We look forward to continuing this partnership with the Marine Corps when we deploy later this year."
PACIFIC OCEAN (March 1, 2011) An MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 166 approaches the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). This is the first time an Osprey has conducted flight operations on a west coast amphibious assault ship since being introduced to the fleet.
PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 17, 2011) An AV-8B Harrier assigned to the Black Sheep of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 214, front, prepares for takeoff as another lands aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Makin Island is conducting AV-8 operations in preparation for an upcoming deployment.
PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 29, 2011) A Close-In Weapons System is tested aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Makin Island is underway conducting drills and training in preparation for its first deployment.
File Photos: USS Makin Island (LHD 8) is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship. Length: 257 meters.
The Wasp class amphibious assault ship is a group of United States Navy ships designed to land forces on hostile shores and transport troops by helicopter for the United States Marine Corps. The class's ships are the largest vessels of this type in service anywhere in the world.
U.S. Navy Wasp-class amphibious assault ships (LHD):
USS Wasp (LHD-1)
USS Essex (LHD-2)
USS Kearsarge (LHD-3)
USS Boxer (LHD-4)
USS Bataan (LHD-5)
USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6)
USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7)
USS Makin Island (LHD-8)
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