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Battaan sailors break ground with experimental aircraft
Story Identification #: 20056207230
Story by - Seaman Joanne De Vera
ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 12, 2005) -- USS Bataan (LHD 5) took on eight of the experimental MV-22 Ospreys and two AV-8B Harriers for training and testing while steaming in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of North Carolina this week.
For this final operational test phase, Bataan has the largest number of Ospreys on any ship at one time. Along with the aircraft, 185 Marines, including Marine Tiltrotor Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron Twenty-Two (VMX-22) personnel, representatives from Boeing and Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) have joined the crew of Bataan.
The greatest benefit from the testing will be the experience future generations will have to learn from, said Marine Corps Maj. Anthony Bianca, Director of Standardization and Safety for VMX-22. “Before there are V-22 squadrons, we’ve got to look at them in an experimental and test environment and learn things so that we can pass them on and when the fleet does have the squadrons, the experience will be extremely helpful. We’re also helping to spread knowledge about the V-22’s.”
The MV-22 is an advanced technology, vertical/short takeoff and landing (VSTOL) multi-purpose tactical aircraft. It will replace the CH-46E Sea Knight and CH-53D Sea Stallion aircraft currently in service. What makes the V-22 unique is the 38-foot prop-rotor system and engine/transmission nacelle, the chamber that holds the engine, mounted on each wingtip, allowing it to operate as a helicopter for takeoff and landing. Once airborne, the nacelles rotate forward 90 degrees, turning the aircraft into a high-speed, high-altitude and fuel-efficient aircraft.
The testing for the experimental aircraft has just as many benefits for Bataan as it does for the Marine Corps.
“We’re the first big deck to have this many Ospreys, and we’re incorporating them with the different Navy and Marine aircraft,” said Capt. Nora W. Tyson, Bataan’s Commanding Officer. “We have MH-53 Sea Dragons, AH-1 Super Cobras, Harriers and HH-60 Seahawks onboard in addition to the Osprey. It’s the first time they’ve been incorporated together in movement on the flight deck, and the first time they’ve flown together. We’re the first ones to get the experience and it’s great for the crew.”
The V-22 is breaking ground not only for Bataan, but also for all amphibious assault ships.
“The V-22 is replacing two types of aircraft and is the future for the Gator Navy,” said Tyson. “Everybody is going to learn from our experience and from our lessons learned - how we moved this aircraft, what worked and what didn’t work. This is going to benefit everybody. This is the beginning.”
Bataan’s Air Department had a few challenges working with the new aircraft, but took it with a grain of salt and got the job done.
“It’s a different air frame, it fuels differently and it’s basically, a different animal on the flight deck,” said Tyson. “The crew has responded unbelievably, just like they always do.”
“We’ve all come together to get the job done,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class (AW/SW) Michael Waldrop of Bataan’s V-1 Division. “The divisions self-maintain when we’re in port, but as soon as we get out to sea, we all work as one team. The Handlers can’t do their job without the Fuelies (Aviation Boatswain’s Mate, Fuels) and vice versa. We all need each other, so we all help each other out.”
“The crew handled everything very professionally,” said Tyson. “They’ve successfully integrated the aircraft with the Landing Signals (Enlisted), the chocks and chains, Fuelies, Air Boss and his crew in Flight Deck Control and the air traffic controllers in the Helicopter Direction Center and I couldn’t be prouder.”
Posted : 2005-06-23 15:15
