Up close and personal: JGSFD members experience Osprey firsthand

Photo By Sgt. Olivia McDonald | Members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force watch as Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron 204 conduct pre-flight inspections of an MV-22B Osprey aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., March 26, 2015. Members of the JGSDF visited New River to learn more about the operational capabilities of the MV-22B from the Marines assigned to VMMT-204 as the nation of Japan considers purchasing the aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Olivia McDonald/Released)  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, NC, UNITED STATES

03.20.2015

Courtesy Story

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. – Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members experienced the capabilities of the MV-22B Osprey firsthand during a visit to Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., March 26.

The members of JGSDF toured the training facilities of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 204 at New River to gain a better understanding of the MV-22B’s capabilities as the government of Japan considers employing the Osprey in the future, according to Lt. Col. Brett Hart, the commanding officer of VMMT-204.

“They came here to not only see the aircraft firsthand, but also to talk to experts,” said Hart.

According to Hart, the JGSDF members spoke with the Marines of VMMT-204 to better understand the capabilities of the Osprey, its technical specifications and the manpower required to operate the tiltrotor aircraft

“This was their chance to learn the finer details of what it takes to operate, train and maintain MV-22B Ospreys,” Hart said. “There was no doubt in my mind that our guests would find our Marines professional, knowledgeable and enthusiastic; that they would see the tremendous talent and the tremendous people that we have here at [VMMT-204].”

During the visit, the Marines of VMMT-204 took their JGSDF guests on a half-hour aerial tour of New River and portions of Eastern North Carolina to display some of the capabilities of the Osprey.

The members of the JGSDF experienced the unique experience of tiltrotor operations firsthand during the flight, said Cpl. Michael Piechowski, an Osprey crew chief with the squadron.

“Our goal was to give them the understanding of the capabilities of this aircraft, so not only could they can enjoy themselves, but see its real potential and how useful it can actually be,” said Piechowski.

• Date Taken: 03.20.2015
• Date Posted: 03.27.2015 16:08
• Story ID: 158393
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, NC, US