VMM—261 soars over MWTC

Photo By Lance Cpl. Michael Nerl | A V-22 Osprey from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, based out of Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., prepares to land at the Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, Calif., June 25, during the squadron's high-altitude training.  

MOUNTAIN WARFARE TRAINING CENTER BRIDGEPORT, UNITED STATES

07.02.2009

Story by Lance Cpl. Michael Nerl 

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center

MOUNTAIN WARFARE TRAINING CENTER BRIDGEPORT, Calif. — An MV—22 Osprey crew from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, based out of Marine Corps Air Station New River, N. C., lifted off on one of many training flights through the high altitude terrain of Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, Calif., June 25.

The training is part of the Osprey's as a versatile support aircraft for the Marine Corps, said Staff Sgt. Jeffery A. Bandy, the expeditionary airfield chief for MWTC, and a native of Carter, Tenn.

"The Osprey is going to be filling the role of the CH—53 in coming years as a heavy transport aircraft," Bandy said. "They're taking the more experienced pilots in VMM—261 first before the rest of the squadron comes up here to learn in the mountains."

Bandy said the difference in terrain and elevation makes taking off and landing the aircraft difficult if the pilot is not prepared.

"The air pressure is much different at a high altitude, and affects the way the engine performs," Bandy said. "The squadron is based down south. They're at sea level where the air is thicker and the terrain is all flat.

"The Osprey pilots are going to be flying in and around the mountains," he said. "Their pilots are going to learn how to maneuver with the lower air pressure. The thinner air makes it harder to put power from the engine into moving the aircraft."

The crewmen of the new aircraft recognized how training at extreme elevation and terrain would benefit them as Osprey pilots.

"It's a difficult task, flying in the mountains," said Maj. Eric Garcia, a V—22 qualified pilot, and a native of Los Cruces, N. M. "This place is as close as we can get training wise so we're taking everything we can from it.

"We were only stood up as a unit a short time ago," Garcia said. "Our aircraft are even fresher. The one we're flying today is only about six or seven months old. This type of experience is a good way to get this young squadron experienced before going straight overseas."

The squadron will continue their altitude training at other installations around the Marine Corps before deploying in support of Operation Enduring Freedom later this year.

• Date Taken: 07.02.2009
• Date Posted: 07.02.2009 13:05
• Story ID: 35897
• Location: MOUNTAIN WARFARE TRAINING CENTER BRIDGEPORT, US