MV-22B Ospreys make maiden flights in Japan

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Yamaguchi, Japan -- Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 aircrews conduct MV-22B Osprey functional check flights aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 24. The functional check flights marked the first time the MV-22B Osprey flew in Japan. Once VMM-265 completes functional check flights at MCAS Iwakuni, its Ospreys will be based at and operate out of MCAS Futenma. The MV-22B combines the capability of a helicopter with the speed and range of a fixed-wing aircraft. Basing the Osprey on Okinawa will significantly strengthen the United States' ability to provide for the defense of Japan, perform humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, and fulfill other alliance roles. VMM-265 is a part of Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.