The US Marine Corps’ (USMC) MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft are set to extend support to a series of US / UK exercises from the flightdeck of HMS Ocean.
During the amphibious assault training in the Mediterranean, an Osprey detachment will be based on the Royal Navy flagship for several weeks to transport US and Royal Marines from ship to shore.
HMS Ocean aviation operations head commander Adie Baker said: "Having just taken over as Commander Air, it is terrific to have the opportunity to work with the Osprey so early in my tenure.
"While they have visited Ocean in the past, having them embarked for a few weeks for amphibious exercises is the next step in increasing our ability to operate more closely with our allies."
Currently, personnel of 45 Commando Royal Marines are deployed on Cougar 15, which is the Royal Navy’s annual deployment of the UK’s high readiness maritime expeditionary force.
The Osprey have flown from Ocean during Nato’s Exercise Trident Juncture this year and performed the last landing onboard over five years ago.
Last week, four US Marine Corps (USMC) MV-22 Osprey aircraft landed on the Spanish navy’s multi-purpose amphibious assault ship Juan Carlos for the first time.
In June, the Royal Netherlands Navy, along with the USMC Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, conducted the first MV-22 Osprey landing aboard the Dutch warship, HNLMS Karel Doorman.
The V-22 Osprey, a joint-service, multi-mission combat aircraft, combines the mobility of a helicopter with the long-range and high-speed cruise performance of a turboprop aircraft.
The Osprey can accommodate up to 24 personnel, travel further, faster and higher than helicopters.
Image: The MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft landing on HMS Ocean. Photo: courtesy of Royal Navy.
