On April 5th, the first CMV-22B Osprey was incorporated into the Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) located on the East Coast, specifically at Naval Station Norfolk in the state of Virginia. As part of the modernization plan of the US Navy, the rest of the CMV-22Bs are estimated to arrive starting from June of this year.
The arrival of the tiltrotor aircraft is part of the project to renew and replace the C-2A Greyhounds of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40. The relocation of VRM-40 “Mighty Bison” squadron, led by Matthew Boyce from Naval Air Station North Island on the West Coast, along with VRM-30 and VRM-50 squadrons took place on February 1st of this year due to a strategic shift to provide technical and logistical support to the Atlantic Fleet starting from the year 2025.
In early 2023, Naval Station Norfolk was equipped with the Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Wing (CVRMW) to provide offensive and defensive support to carrier strike groups. With the CMV-22B Osprey, the aim is to transport personnel and cargo from shore to aircraft carriers, being the only aircraft capable of transporting F-35 Lightning II engine main components directly to the flight deck of an aircraft carrier, a critical feature of the US Navy’s logistics.
The CMV-22B Osprey, built by Boeing and Bell Textron, was first delivered to the US Navy in February 2020. As previously mentioned, the purpose of this aircraft is to replace the C-2A Greyhounds logistic aircraft. The CMV-22B, which has a greater fuel capacity compared to other variants, is the only one in the Osprey family that can carry up to 2,700 kilograms of cargo over a distance exceeding 1,150 nautical miles.
Furthermore, being a tiltrotor aircraft, the Osprey has a fundamental feature for operating on aircraft carriers as it has a tiltable engine, which provides vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability, and short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities.
Rear Admiral Doug Verissimo, Commander of Naval Air Force Atlantic (CNAL), emphasized the aircraft’s incorporation with optimism by stating, “Naval aviation is thrilled by the arrival of the first CMV-22B Osprey in Norfolk. The arrival of this first aircraft symbolizes an evolution and change in Naval Aviation for the future. The event represents the hard work and resilience of our aviators, crew members, maintenance personnel, and maintenance community in VRM.“
Cover Image: US Navy – Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Sylvie Carafiol
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