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Photo Information

Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, assists the Government of Japan in supporting those affected by recent earthquakes in Kumamoto, Japan, April 18, 2016. VMM-265 picked up supplies from Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Takayubaru and delivered them to Hakusui Sports Park in the Kumamoto Prefecture. The long-standing relationship between Japan and the U.S. allows U.S. military forces in Japan to provide rapid, integrated support to the Japan Self-Defense Forces and civil relief efforts. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl. Nathan Wicks/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Nathan Wicks

VMM-265 provides operational airlift support for the Japanese government relief efforts

18 Apr 2016 | Sgt. Antonio J. Rubio Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan

For the first time in history, two MV-22B Ospreys deployed in support of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in Japan April 18, 2016.

The Ospreys are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, stationed on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Japan, and arrived seven hours after being tasked at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, to provide operational airlift support for the Government of Japan’s relief efforts following the earthquakes in and near Kumamoto.

“Hopefully we’ll be able to do some good while we’re here and drop off a lot of supplies and help out the people who are in need right now,” said Capt. Gray Gish, VMM-265 MV-22 Osprey pilot. “I feel honored to be able to offer my assistance and help in anyway that they need it. I am very happy our squadron was asked to come here to support.”

VMM-265 departed MCAS Iwakuni and arrived at Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Takayubaru to retrieve supplies including water, blankets and toiletries. From Takayubaru, the Marines dropped off the supplies at Hakusui Sports Park in Minamiaso Village, Kumamoto.

The long-standing alliance between Japan and the U.S. played an integral role in U.S. Forces Japan’s rapid, integrated support to the Japan Self-Defense Forces and civilian relief efforts.

“Two MV-22s went out with the MEU commanding officer to assess the damage of the earthquake, possible landing zones, bring supplies to the impacted areas and get an overall understanding of the situation and what we need to do to react to it,” said Lance Cpl. Zachary Schultes, VMM-265 MV-22 crew chief. “I’m anxious to get out and help and being able to do something that’s making a difference. It’s a shamed what happened. So, I’m excited to go help people.”

The MV-22B Osprey is designed as the medium-lift replacement for the Navy CH-46E Sea Knight assault support helicopter. The Osprey can operate as a helicopter or a turboprop aircraft and offers twice the speed, four times the range, and three times the payload of the CH-46E, making it an ideal aircraft for providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations such as this one.


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