With the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey’s continuous support throughout the Pacific region, it has proven itself as a critical asset during times of disaster. These ocean-based regions are continuously combating tsunamis, earthquakes and their aftermath. By leveraging the speed and payload of the V-22, countries can offer more relief and aid to greater numbers of impacted citizens at faster rates.
Cited in a 2014 Stars and Stripes article, Brigadier General “Stick” Rudder, then the Commander of the USMC 1st Marine Air Wing shares his thoughts on the aircraft’s capabilities.
“Simply put, the Osprey can respond faster and farther to any situation where we might be called, including our most frequent mission — humanitarian assistance and disaster response. The Osprey is the ideal aircraft to respond to a disaster or any remote area because it can go so far and fast, carry a great deal of supplies or personnel, and it does not need a runway to land.”
In an actual humanitarian mission after Super Typhoon Haiyan, titled Operation Damayan, a fleet of V-22s flew 1,118 miles, or three hours, to the Philippines, evacuated 1,200 people and delivered more than 20 tons of supplies to areas where planes and helicopters couldn’t reach. One of these remote areas included a school field, where they were able to supply resources to children and perform life-saving medical evacuation flights.
Col. Livingston, commander of the 36th Crisis Response Group, noted that “the Filipinos loved the way the Ospreys could get into remote locations that had no roads and no infrastructure and could be used to bring assessments teams of civilians and representatives from the Filipino government along with resources people in the remote areas needed immediately.”
The USMC has proven that the Bell Boeing V-22 can be an indispensable asset for regions at risk for deadly natural disasters. With many mission sets, the aircraft continues to garner world interest and stand out as a powerful platform ready to serve and support warfighters.
