Osprey Flight Operations Tested Aboard Nimitz
Navy News | By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Renee Candelario
USS NIMITZ, At Sea -- The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) received and refueled an MV-22 Osprey, a potential replacement for the C-2 Greyhound, for the first time Oct. 6.
The Osprey, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165, was the first from (VMM) 165 to make a carrier-based landing and was part of an on-going initiative from the Joint Program Manager Air (PMA) 275 office to increase the number of available platforms.
"This was a first for our squadron," said Capt. Patrick Johnson, of VMM 165. "We recently made the switch from helicopters to the Osprey so it was a new experience for most of us."
Johnson embarked Nimitz as a liaison between the pilots of the MV-22 and Nimitz' primary flight control. As the subject matter expert, Johnson was able to provide the Nimitz crew with information about the MV-22 to aid in the recovery of this aircraft.
Since this was the first time the Osprey landed on Nimitz, though similar to standard Navy aircraft, there were some things the flight deck crew had to be mindful of.
"With the Osprey you have to be careful because the 'down-wash' [the air that comes from the aircraft's rotors] is a lot more than a helicopter," explained Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Andre Taylor, a flight deck director on board Nimitz. "This aircraft has a larger landing area so we have to make sure anything around the landing area is secure and make sure everything is out of the way."
Nimitz sent some of its flight deck crew to Marine Corp's Air Station Miramar, Calif., for training on how to handle the Osprey.
"We were taught how to properly chock and chain the aircraft along with how to turn, 'taxi' (move an aircraft without having to use a tractor or a tow bar), and stow it on the flight deck," said Taylor. "Basically, we learned the ins-and-outs of the aircraft. We got inside all of the batteries and oxygen tanks and learned what to look for in case the aircraft crashes and where to go to pull the emergency door in case a fire broke out."
This training played a key part in allowing the Osprey to make its first carrier-based landing on Nimitz and turned out to be a unique experience for the crew.
"We all took turns landing the aircraft because it was something new that we had never seen," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class Ricardo Camposflores, a flight deck leading petty officer on board Nimitz who assisted with the Osprey landing. "We all got a chance to learn something new from this landing."
Landing the Osprey will be another memory Nimitz' crew will be able to add to the long history of the ship.
"I will remember this experience for a long time," Taylor smiled. "I was more excited than I was nervous. It's a different feeling. Most people don't get a chance to be a part of these experiences."
US Navy Topics
© Copyright 2019 Navy News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
You Can Live in This WWII-Era Navy Command Center for Just Under $10 Million
If you miss living on a military installation but want an upgrade to that old barracks room, this might be your chance.
Naval Academy Parades Are Preparation for Military Discipline, Mission Success
For the midshipmen who are atop the drill chain of command, parades are an exercise in large organizational operations.
In a First, an F-35 Pilot Is Joining the Navy's Blue Angels Demonstration Team
The Blue Angels team has its first F-35B pilot, but he won't be flying the Joint Strike Fighter jet in any upcoming shows....
The Critical Role of the Arctic Convoys in WWII
The Arctic convoys would play an important role, especially in the critical months between July and December 1941.
Latest Military Videos
B-2 Stealth Bomber Marks 30 Years
On July 17th, 1989, The B-2 Spirit Bomber took its first flight in Palmdale, California. Thirty years later, the.
Meet the Newest Army Astronaut
Col. (Dr.) Andrew "Drew" Morgan was selected to be a NASA astronaut in 2013 when he was serving as.
Air Force Thunderbirds Perform in Colombia
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform an aerial demonstration at the 2019 Feria Aeronáutica internacional - Colombia (F-AIR) in.
MiG Fury Fighters Perform Dogfight Demo
The MiG Fury Fighters perform a mock-up dogfight show July 13, 2019, the "Mission Over Malmstrom" open house event.
Modern Army Paratrooper Jumps With Historical Demonstration Team
U.S. Army Capt. Darren Cinatl, a Paratrooper assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, participates in an airborne operation at.
Army News
Army Eyeing Navy's High-Powered Laser to Fight Enemy Drone Swarms
Army officials are getting help from the Navy to make the service's High Energy Laser program more than twice as powerful.
New Data Finds Child Abuse, Neglect Still Underreported in the Army
The Defense Health Board is reviewing DoD policies to prevent and detect child maltreatment in military families.
Air Force News
The company announced the preliminary results of its accident investigation Monday.
Air Force Warns Against Area 51 Assault Plans as Alien Memes Swamp the Internet
The Facebook event, "Storm Area 51, They Can't Stop All of Us," calls for enthusiasts to show up outside the base Sept. 20.
Patriots' Kraft Pledges $100K for Families of Bikers Killed in Accident
Bikers from as far as Louisiana and Arizona rode in for the event outside Gillette Stadium to pay their respects.
Military Discipline in the Social Media Age: How the New Top Marine Plans to Lead
Policing social media use for the military's youngest force is a hefty mission.
Marine Iraq War Vet and His Bride Pay Tribute to Trump with MAGA Wedding
A veteran lance corporal took the president's "Salute to America" message to new heights with a super patriotic wedding.
Coast Guard News
Barry Drenches Gulf Coast, but Initially Spares New Orleans
Coast Guard helicopters rescued a dozen people and two pets from flooded areas of Terrebonne Parish, south of New Orleans.
Coast Guard Cutter Holds Line on China During Rare Pacific Deployment
Bertholf returned July 2 from the Coast Guard's first full-length deployment to the Western Pacific in seven years.
Badassery on Display: Coasties Seize Nearly 20 Tons of Cocaine
Vice President Mike Pence was on hand to congratulate the crew and watch Munro disgorge a mother lode of drug contraband.