The US Marine Corps have landed an Osprey on British flagship, HMS Ocean.
The landing is reported to be the first step in demonstrating the partnership between the amphibious helicopter platform and the US Marines Corps ahead of the major NATO exercise, Trident Juncture, which gets underway in a few weeks time.
The Osprey is a tiltrotor aircraft with both a vertical takeoff and landing and short takeoff and landing capability. It’s designed to combine the functionality of a conventional helicopter with the long-range, high-speed cruise performance of a turboprop aircraft.
The MV-22 Osprey, call sign ‘Elvis’, visited HMS Ocean off Portugal as the UK’s annual Cougar deployment kicks off.
HMS Ocean is a helicopter carrier and the fleet flagship of the Royal Navy. She is designed to support amphibious landing operations and to support the staff of Commander UK Amphibious Force and Commander UK Landing Force.
The Osprey landing was part of a preliminary visit before the USMC train alongside the Royal Navy in Exercise Trident Juncture – delivering Royal Marines and US Marines to the heart of the action.
Commander Steve Deacon, Commander (Air) HMS Ocean said:
“The Osprey is a marvellous aircraft and the opportunity to work alongside aviators from the US Marine Corps is a real privilege.”
Exercise Trident Juncture, the first element of the Cougar deployment, is intended to build experience and partnership among NATO allies and is taking place largely off the coast of Portugal.
A great piece of kit