A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 264, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, returns after the squadron’s first flight since reactivation at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Jan. 6, 2026. VMM-264’s reactivation adds an additional MV-22B Osprey squadron to 2nd MAW and II Marine Expeditionary Force and reflects incremental adjustments in Force Design to meet the operational demands of the service. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacsive Betancourt Nava)
U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 264, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing conduct the squadron's first flight after reactivation at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Jan. 6, 2026. VMM-264’s reactivation adds an additional MV-22B Osprey squadron to 2nd MAW and II Marine Expeditionary Force and reflects incremental adjustments in Force Design to meet the operational demands of the service. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Mya Seymour)
“Primarily, the mission is to develop an aircrew” said Maj. Connor “Axe” Robertson, a Michigan native and a CH-53K King Stallion pilot instructor with HMHT-302. “The ideal goal is to send a proficient crew member that is able and ready to be a co-pilot [or crew chief] in the fleet.”
HMHT-302's core mission is to teach the fundamentals of assault support heavy lift. The HMHT-302 training cadre ensures students are focused on Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization procedures, a vital line of effort necessary to reinforce a culture of safety and readiness into the trainees. Students also train in basic flight maneuvers utilizing the CH-53K's modernized fly-by-wire systems, which enhances aircraft...
