The Marine Corps has dispatched 10 MV-22 Ospreys to Camp Bastion in Afghanistan, according to a Nov. 7 Virginian-Pilot report. The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the USS Bataan, an amphibious assault ship based in Norfolk, Va., launched the new tilt-rotor aircraft in three waves for the two-hour flight to the camp, according to the newspaper. The Marine Corps earlier this year said it was on track for a fall deployment to Afghanistan. The new Marine Osprey force previously deployed to Iraq, where USMC officials said it exceeded expectations.
The new defense reconciliation bill includes $7.2 billion for Air Force and Navy aviation accounts, almost half of which will buy more F-15EXs. While electronic warfare, drones, connectivity and airlift all get attention, the F-35 was conspicuously absent from the package, with no explanation given.