The U.S. Navy’s transition to the CMV-22B Osprey for its long-range and medium-lift aerial logistics missions took a significant step forward on Apr. 5, with the arrival of the first tiltrotor aircraft assigned to the East Coast at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia.
Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 40, nicknamed “Mighty Bison,” received the first Osprey, marking the beginning of their permanent relocation to Norfolk. All VRM-40 personnel have been stationed in Norfolk since February 2024, with the remaining squadron aircraft expected to arrive this summer.
The CMV-22B Osprey offers a significant upgrade in capabilities compared to the C-2A Greyhound. This tiltrotor aircraft combines the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities of a helicopter with the long-range cruise efficiency of a fixed-wing airplane. This versatility allows the Osprey to deliver critical supplies, personnel, and high-priority cargo from shore bases directly to ships at sea, supporting Atlantic carrier strike groups starting in 2025.
The deployment of the Osprey to the East Coast faced a temporary setback in December 2023 when the entire Osprey fleet was grounded following a fatal crash of a CV-22B in Japan. Following a thorough investigation and implementation of safety improvements, including maintenance and procedural changes, the grounding was lifted in March 2024, paving the way for the current deployment.
The arrival of the CMV-22B Osprey on the East Coast signifies the Navy’s commitment to modernizing its logistics capabilities and enhancing its ability to support vital carrier strike group operations. The Osprey’s advanced capabilities, particularly its VTOL functionality and extended range, are expected to play a crucial role in future naval operations.
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