Photo By Cpl. Michelle Piehl | Marines with Motor Transport Maintenance Company, 1st Maintenance Battalion, Combat...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Leaning forward in their seats, their eyes open wide with excitement. A Marine speaks an inaudible “wow” as a picturesque view of San Diego’s mountainous landscape comes into view. For some typically land-based Marines, the chance to fly in an MV-22B Osprey became a chance to experience something very different from the norm.
Members of the Motor Transport Maintenance Company, 1st Maintenance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 15 from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., joined with the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 for a warrior flight over Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., May 31.
“It shows the capability of the Marine Corps as a whole,” said Capt. David P. Verhine, an MV-22B pilot and ground safety officer with VMM-161, and a Memphis, Tenn., native. “They can be proud and understand that what they do helps out what we do.”
The warrior flight was scheduled as an incentive flight for units that have previously worked with the squadron on past missions. It served as a way to give back to the Marines on the ground working with the Marines in the air.
“It all basically comes down to morale,” said Verhine. “I can’t do my job, ultimately, without the myriad of other people doing their job. The maintainers can do their job without me; I can’t do my job without them.”
The flight around southern California was designed to show the Maintenance Battalion Marines the capabilities of the Osprey, as well as give them an unforgettable experience.
During a mid-flight conversion from vertical to horizontal propelling, Marines aboard the Osprey experienced a shift similar to the sensation of riding a roller coaster.
“To feel the accelerations and capabilities of the Osprey was very unique,” said Verhine. “I’ll never forget [my first flight] and I’m sure these Marines will probably never forget it either.”
Cpl. Ian P. Shankland, a motor transportation mechanic with 1st Maintenance Bn., aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., and a Cottage Grove, Minn., native, was excited to be a part of the warrior flight.
“I’ve never flown on a helicopter before, so I thought it would be a good experience,” said Shankland. “It’s giving motor transportation Marines like us a chance to get up in the air and get off the ground for a change.”
Shankland explained that events like this help Marines get out of their shop and to understand the full capabilities of the Marine Corps. The event also served to give the Marines a chance to prepare for possible deployment opportunities.
“I have been at my shop since I joined the [fleet],” said Shankland. “It gives me a chance to explore a little more of what the Marine Corps has to offer.”
With a great smile, Shankland boasts his memorable experience on an Osprey.
“I get to fly around in an Osprey today. It gives me a little more experience, something I can say I’ve done. It ties into the idea of a well-rounded Marine.”
| Date Taken: | 05.31.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 06.04.2012 16:31 |
| Story ID: | 89407 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 183 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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