By Robbin Laird Recently, the Marines tested their new forward base refueling system with the CH-53K. The two together provide new capabilities for forward refueling points or for expeditionary basing. According to the Marines: Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 371, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, employ a tactical aviation ground…
An end of course video featuring the highlights of Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-20 in Yuma, Arizona, Oct. 28, 2019. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), which emphasizes operational integration of the six functions of Marine Corps aviation…
The video shows the arrival of the first CMV-22B at Naval Station North Island. The first CMV-22B Osprey assigned to Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30 prepares to land at Naval Air Station North Island. VRM 30 was established in late 2018 to begin the Navy’s transition from the C-2A…
Last month, the Marine Corps wrapped up its first sea trials with the new CH-53K King Stallion. In an article by Megan Eckstein published by USNI News on June 25, 2020, the crossing of one of the "last big items on the to do list before the heavy lift helicopter…
By Robbin Laird The first CMV-22B Osprey has arrived in San Diego at Naval Air Station North Island and is assigned to the “Titans” of Navy’s Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30. The squadron was stood up in 2018 to operate the CMV-22B as a replacement for the Navy’s legacy…
Sikorsky is working with NAVAIR and the USMC to deliver a new build heavy lift helicopter, the CH-53K. This is a digital aircraft, unlike its predecessor the CH-53E which is a mechanical aircraft. What this means is that the aircraft is digitally designed, manufactured by a digital thread production process,…
By Robbin Laird On February 7, 2020, the US Navy officially received its first CMV-22B Osprey, the replacement for its venerable C-2 Greyhound aircraft. I attended the ceremony held at Amarillo, Texas and had a chance to talk with a number of the participants before and after the ceremony. Having…
In a story by 1st Lt. Zachary Bodner from 3rd Marine Air Wing published on December 11, 2109, the key role which Marine Corps attack helicopters play in operating the Marine Corps at sea was highlighted. In a powerful demonstration of aviation lethality, 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters proved their…