Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 Arrives to Aid Japan's Relief Efforts

18 April 2016

From Capt. Jennifer Giles

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, arrived at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 17 to provide operational airlift support for the Government of Japan’s relief efforts following the earthquakes in and near Kumamoto.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck the island of Kyushu April 14, resulting in nine deaths and widespread damage. A second earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.3, struck April 16, causing at least an additional 40 deaths and more damage.

“We express our deepest condolences to all those affected by the recent earthquakes in Kyushu,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John Dolan, commander of U.S. Forces Japan. “We are working closely with the government of Japan to provide assistance and support. To the people of Japan and the region affected by this tragedy, we send our heartfelt sympathies. The men and women of the U.S. Forces Japan stand with you during this difficult time.”

The long-standing alliance between Japan and the U.S. played an integral role in U.S. Forces Japan’s rapid, integrated support to the Japan Self-Defense Forces and civilian relief efforts.

“The U.S. stands with Japan during this difficult time, and we’re here to work with whomever we’re called upon to work with,” said Capt. Tessa Snow, an MV-22 pilot with VMM-265.

The MV-22B Osprey is designed as the medium-lift replacement for the Navy CH-46E Sea Knight assault support helicopter. The Osprey can operate as a helicopter or a turboprop aircraft and offers twice the speed, six times the range, and three times the payload of the CH-46E, making it an ideal aircraft for providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations such as this one.