NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- This event took place at the Nashville International Airport and was meant to foster a stronger community relationship with the people of Nashville and the Marine Corps.
Marine Week Nashville will take place from Sept. 7-11. This will be the eighth iteration since the Marine Week program started in 2009. Marine Week provides an opportunity for the citizens of Nashville and the surrounding area to meet Marines as well as see first hand, the latest capabilities of today’s Marine Corps.
“The objective of the flights this morning was to give back to the community. One of the passengers was a gold star mother and they definitely paid a price so we wanted to give back to them and show that we are grateful for what they go through and give them a chance to do something that not a lot of people get to do,” said Capt. Adam Crawford, pilot, Marine Medium Tilrotor Squadron 261. “I definitely think it is important to build community relations especially in areas where they don’t have Marine bases or military bases, sometimes people only see what the news puts out vices what we actually do so I think it’s a good thing to show the positive aspects of the Marine Corps and what we do.
During the flight the osprey conducted aerial maneuvers that introduced the flyers to heavy g-forces and the feeling of weightlessness. The passengers also got an aerial view of Nashville out the back of the osprey.
“We are so excited to have the Marines here for Marine Week in Nashville this week and the fact that we were up their with metro console members, my officer, and gold star moms just talks about how this community can come together for its military,” said Megan Barry, mayor, Nashville. “I had a great experience today being able to go on an osprey from the time that it takes off and becomes a helicopter to when it becomes an airplane you really get an appreciation for the equipment that we have and keeps us safe.”
Throughout the course of the week the Marines will be conducting similar events to help foster a greater relationship with the people of Nashville as part of Marine Week.