10 years later: CV-22 Osprey dominates

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Katherine Holt
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  “You, as aircrew on the CV-22 in the 8th Special Operations Squadron, need to be prepared to deploy directly into combat with little to no notice.”

Taken from the welcome letter of Lt. Col. Christian Helms, the commander of the 8th SOS, the statement sets expectations for aircrew who are newly assigned to the 10-year-old CV-22 Osprey.

Helms has been with the 8th SOS squadron since the arrival of Hurlburt’s first CV-22 aircraft, Nov. 16, 2006.

“It is the only penetrating long-range vertical lift asset in the United States military, arguably the world,” he said. “It is the biggest leap forward in aviation technology in our generation. In the last 20 years, nothing has revolutionized aviation or airpower like the [CV-22], nothing.”

Upon arrival, the CV-22 was labeled as the start of a new era and venture for special operations.

“No one other than [Air Force Special Operations Command] and the U.S. Marine Corps has tilt-rotor technology,” Helms said. “It is literally revolutionary.”

The CV-22 is the Special Operation Forces variant of the U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey. The Osprey combines the vertical takeoff, hover and vertical landing qualities of a helicopter with the long-range, fuel efficiency and speed characteristics of a turboprop aircraft. Its mission is to conduct long-range infiltration, exfiltration and resupply missions for special operations forces.

“Our job is to provide joint force commanders with rapidly deployable CV-22 crews and aircraft capable of deploying directly into combat,” Helms said. “We take that very seriously. That’s the big part about being in a [CV-22] squadron.”

The leadership with the 8th SOS stresses preparedness and focuses on the ability to mobilize when called to the fight.

“I’ve told everyone when they come to the 8th SOS, you need to have your life organized in a way that your flight equipment, the boots that you wear, the clothes you wear, the helmet you have on your head, the things that come out of your mouth all have to replicate real combat,” Helms said. “You should be able to go from sitting at your desk to mobilizing directly into combat in about 72 hours. That’s what part of being a CV-22 squadron is.”

When asked about the future of the Osprey, Helms replied, “Saying what the future of the [CV-22] is like saying what the future of humanity is. We will continue to provide joint force commanders with unparalleled support in the arena of penetrating long-range vertical lift. We will continue to refine that to the point where we hopefully put everyone else out of business, and we are the go-to platform.”

A forward firing weapon, like the 50 caliber, could happen in the next five to 10 years for the Osprey. Helms says that will put the nail in the coffin for making the CV-22 the go-to platform.