Two additional MV-22B Ospreys are now in the Philippines supporting Operation Damayan, a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operation following Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda.

The two additional MV-22B Ospreys are assostomg U.S. Marines and Sailors from 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III Marine Expeditionary Force, who have already deployed to provide a wide range of relief efforts to the Philippines.  Including those in the latest deployment, there are eight MV-22B Ospreys belonging to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF, and six MV-22B Ospreys belonging to VMM-265, MAG-36, 1st MAW, III MEF deployed in support of Operation Damayan.

The MV-22B provides a unique capability in this type of operation, with its vertical take-off and landing capabilities allowing it to operate in austere environments.  Its ability to convert quickly to fixed-wing configuration gives greatly increased speed and range over the traditional rotary-wing aircraft, substantially strengthening our ability to save lives and reduce suffering.  The aircraft’s range allows it to deploy four times the distance from Okinawa as traditional rotary wing aircraft without stopping to refuel.
Capt. Christian Kapey, MV-22B pilot and assistant logistics officer, VMM-265 reinforced, says “The Ospreys are continuously flying to the areas with devastation, carrying water, food and supplies to rebuild homes and help the Filipino people during their time of need.”

Super Typhoon Haiyan has impacted more than 4.2 million people across 36 provinces in the Philippines, according to the Philippine government’s national disaster risk reduction and management council.  Since 1990, the U.S. Government has responded to more than 40 disasters in the Philippines at the request of that country’s government, ranging from volcanic eruptions, drought, and population displacement.

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