Osprey Lands on Wasp In Port

ABOARD USS WASP (NNS), November 16, 2005 12:07

Aircraft handlers and crash crew personnel aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) had a unique training opportunity Nov. 2 while in port at Naval Station Norfolk, Va.

A Marine MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Tiltrotor Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX) 22 landed on Wasp’s flight deck to provide familiarization training to the crew before getting underway.

"The V-22 is coming out to do envelope expansion and engineering testing for flight deck warping," said Lt. Brian Reardon, Wasp's aircraft handling officer.

Before Osprey can conduct operations, the handlers and crash crew need to know how the aircraft works and its emergency procedures.

"We came out to familiarize deck handlers on the flight deck with the V-22," said Marine Gunnery Sgt. Reese Deprino, with the test squadron. "For most of them, this is the first time they’ve even seen it, much less handled it."

The tilt rotor aircraft is different from regular helicopters and AV-8B Harriers. Knowing its systems and procedures will help keep the ship and crew safe in an emergency.

"It’s a little bit different than traditional helicopters," said Reardon. "Getting a good familiarization requires learning to fight fires and handle any emergencies that may occur. The crash team will focus on that while the aircraft handlers get some practice towing the aircraft and learning how to park it."

"The Osprey is a unique shape," said Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) (SW/AW) Leeroy Ybarra, V-1 Division leading chief petty officer. "When you fold it up, it folds into a rectangle, not a triangle like regular helicopters. This makes maneuvering and parking a little more difficult."

Making arrangements for an evolution like this isn’t easy.

"We had to coordinate what we wanted to do with the Marine squadron, naval base and other waterfront ships," said Ybarra. "In the end, this evolution saves man hours, provides better unique training and gives Sailors a different outlook on the ship's operations. This shows that Wasp is always ready, at sea and in port."

By Journalist 1st Class (SW/AW) Mark C. Schultz, USS Wasp Public Affairs

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