04/10/2013: In coordination with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa, the community of U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command, and USAG Stuttgart had “hands-on” experience with the MV-22B Osprey during a capabilities exercise on Patch Barracks, Kelly Barracks, and Stuttgart Army Airfield, March 28. The MV-22B Ospreys are visiting from the Marine Tiltrotor Squadron 266 (Reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, II Marine Expeditionary Force, based out of Camp Lejeune, N.C.
“The MV-22B brings new capabilities to the EUCOM theater. It’s important that our team understands the nuances of these capabilities as we begin to integrate this versatile aircraft into contingency and response plans,” said Vice Adm. Charlie Martoglio, U.S. European Command deputy commander.
“These aircraft will be a tremendous asset as we work to protect American and allied interests,” he added.
For the exercise, three MV-22B Ospreys flew from an aircraft carrier on the Atlantic Ocean, past Rota, Spain, to Stuttgart, Germany, two days ago without having to land; a total of 1,400 nautical miles.
“I think it’s the future of how we’re going to provide medium-lift assault support in many ways,” said Lt. Col. Chris J. Boniface, the commanding officer of VMM-266, 26th MEU, II MEF. “It’s very important that we demonstrate this capability that the Marine Corps brings to the commands in the assault-support realm,” said Boniface, the Enterprise, Ala., native.
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Credit:7th US Army Joint Multinational Training Command:3/28/13