MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Elements of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced) and 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion attached to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted para-operations training aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 6, 2015.
The aircraft unit is made up of 12 MV-22B Ospreys, four Cobras, three Hueys, four CH-53E Super Stallions and six AV-8B Harrier IIs, making it more than an Osprey unit.
“We are an air combat element that brings a significant amount of aviation capabilities to the MEU commander,” said Capt. Steve Watson, the section lead and pilot for the exercise.
Two Ospreys with the unit picked up Marines with 2nd Recon at a landing zone aboard Camp Lejeune.
Rigged with parachutes, Recon Marines piled into the aircraft and prepared for takeoff. Next stop: an altitude of 13,000 feet.
“When we’re both attached to the MEU, or elements of the MEU, what that allows us to do is start working together and developing some coordination more than you necessarily would with another unit,” said Watson.
The units successfully coordinated two para-operations with approximately 15 jumpers each time. Second Recon uses para-operations as a method of insertion, often times useful when shore landing isn’t possible.
While on their recent seven-month deployment with the MEU, VMM-365 (Rein) focused on a variety of missions, including operational commitments in the Gulf of Aden and southern Red Sea. They also completed training missions and cargo deliveries to Marines aboard the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group.
“My favorite part about flying would be just being up there, being free to go wherever and also being able to help out the guys on the ground knowing we’re the ones who are going to pick them up if something happens,” said Cpl. Chris Stewart, the senior crew chief aboard the aircraft.