The United States Marine Corps extends a first-time opportunity for journalists to take flight over New York City in its MV-22 Osprey aircraft during Fleet Week New York City, a week-long series of events taking place around Memorial Day weekend, May 20-27.
A helicopter-airplane hybrid that can provide both assault and medical support, the Osprey is our newest operational aircraft and is a critical Marine Corps asset. It travels at two-and-a-half times the speed of current helicopters, cruises at 13,000 feet and gets quickly into and out of landing zones. The Osprey has been in use in Iraq for more than a year and has proven its utility in combat. During its first three operational deployments to Iraq, it has logged more than 9,000 flight hours, carried 41,866 passengers and transported 2.16 million pounds of cargo.
A media flight for a limited number of journalists is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, May 22. This time slot includes the flight itself, as well as required preparation and pre-briefings before flight.
Requests to embark on this flight must be received no later than 10 a.m., Friday, May 1st. Space on the aircraft is limited and seating will be allotted in the order in which reservation requests are received.
WHERE: Manhattan Downtown Heliport at Wall Street / Pier 6.
WHEN: Friday, May 22 at 11:00 a.m.
CONTACT: Captain Karl Himes, (212) 784-0162 or Karl.Himes@USMC.mil.