LHD 5 Bataan

Atlantic Ocean 18 June 18 2005 — The amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) shown underway with all eight MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Tlitrotor Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 22 (VMX-22), “turning” and ready for takeoff. VMX-22 is conducting the final operational test phase of the tiltrotor aircraft. The MV-22 is an advanced technology, vertical/short takeoff and landing (VSTOL) multipurpose tactical aircraft, and is scheduled to replace aging CH-46E Sea Knight and CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopters currently in service.

U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Jeremy L. Grisham

Aircav's Books on Aviation