MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP S. D. BUTLER, Okinawa - For the first time in the Asia-Pacific region an MV-22B Osprey landed on a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship Nov. 12.
This is the second time an Osprey has landed on a JMSDF ship, with the first being at Exercise Dawn Blitz on the west coast in the U.S. earlier this year. This landing is a continuation of the Japan-U.S. military cooperation.
Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force conducted the MV-22 Osprey landing with the Japan Self-Defense Force aboard the Ise, a JMSDF ship, to improve interoperability, enhance bilateral training and illustrate the capability of the Osprey to speedily transport cargo and passengers to and from ships from both nations.
The Commanding General of III MEF, Lt. Gen. John Wissler, the Chief of Joint Staff of the JSDF, Gen. Shigeru Iwasaki, and the Commanding General of Western Army, JGSDF, Lt. Gen. Koichiro Bansho, were among those who visited the Ise.
"This landing expands the breadth of capability that exists between the JSDF and the United States military. This strengthens the alliance and adds strength and interoperability to the Japan-U.S. alliance," said Wissler. "With the development of capabilities by the JMSDF we have another amphibious partner in the Western Pacific who can help us . and better assist in any humanitarian aid and relief operations."
The aircraft involved in the landing are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced) currently assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, III MEF.
