Taking a hard left turn in a MV-22 “Osprey” plants you firmly in your seat and feels much more intense than any roller coaster ride. It is a sensation that only few can describe.
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161, the “Greyhawks,” invited Marines, sailors and airmen from different units throughout the air station to fly aboard the MV-22 for Warrior Day Sept. 1.
The squadron hosted Warrior Day to allow service members aboard the air station to fly on the Osprey as a tribute to their service.
More than 80 service members flew on four separate flights over the southern end of San Diego, and two Marines took the opportunity to reenlist during the first flight.
“I am a prior CH-46 guy, and I transitioned to the Osprey,” said Cpl. Mario Monarrez, a flight line mechanic with VMM-161. “I love this aircraft, and I really wanted to fly in it for my next reenlistment.”
Many service members work behind the scenes to support the squadrons aboard the air station. For most of them, Warrior Day was their first chance to fly in an MV-22.
“We have guys who work hard and see the aircraft everyday, but never get to fly in it,” said Lt. Col. Evan G. Leblanc, the commanding officer of VMM-161. “They deserve to see this side of the flight line, and Warrior Day gives them a chance to do that. It is a gesture of gratitude for all of the hard work they put in.”
VMM-161 hosted two previous Warrior Day events to promote the Osprey and the squadron’s transition from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 161 to the new tilt-rotor platform.
“There are a few components to Warrior Day, but mainly we want to familiarize people with the aircraft, and we want to win their hearts and minds about it,” said Leblanc.
MCAS Miramar received its first MV-22 Dec. 12, and became the first West Coast-based squadron to convert to the tilt-rotor platform. The squadron now has seven aircraft and is well on its way to completing the transition.
“The MV-22 is unique, and the transition is a huge undertaking,” said Capt. Jon C. Tillman, a flight officer with VMM-161. “It is right on track.
“The purpose of Warrior Day is to familiarize the Marines with the aircraft and show them the end result of their hard work.”
The service members returned from their flights with wide eyes and bright smiles, as Warrior Day provided many of them with a rare opportunity to get acquainted with a special aircraft.
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