Osprey Guidebook

MV-22 MISSIONOperation Iraqi FreedomOctober 2007 to April 2009SNAPSHOTIn its combat debut, the MV-22’s speed and range immediatelyprovided an operational reach that revolutionized assaultsupport capability.Often the aircraft of choice for missions where speed, range,and survivability were critical, the MV-22 was widely lauded asan assault support platform.During consecutive Operation Iraqi Freedom deployments over a periodof 18 months, three Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadrons (VMMs) logged• More than 6,000 sorties• Nearly 10,000 flight hours• More than 45,000 passengers moved• More than 2.2 million pounds of cargo movedThe MV-22 broadened the ground commander’s area of influence forboots on the ground.The MV-22 flew into every threat zone, performing every availableassault support mission, including• Raids, assaults, Aero Scout, VIP, general support, MEDEVAC,Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP), Rapid GroundRefueling (RGR)• MV-22 speed and range enabled Iraqi government officials tomake frequent visits to remote areas, spreading the influenceof Iraqi governance.No combat losses were incurred during this deployment, thanks tothe aircraft’s inherent survivability and performance characteristicswhich keep the aircraft out of range of small arms and RPGs for mostof the flight.“Turns Texas into Rhode Island.”– BGen Alles, CG ACE MNF-W“I could dominate [Al Anbar Province], because I had V-22s…I couldn’tdo what I did with just helicopters.”– MGen Kelly, CG MNF-W42 MV-22 Operation Iraqi FreedomMV-22 Operation Iraqi Freedom43