CV-22 Osprey

[BOLLO]

I think they'll have a couple of escorts too, when they came over last time didn't they have C-130's with them too.

Should be at least 2 MC 130P/H's in support when ever they turn up.

[H.A.Bucken]

Friend on the 'Mound' this morning thought he saw a 5 minute ceremony across The Field with a raising of the standard. Presumably he was using binos.

[Zymurgy661]

Friend on the 'Mound' this morning thought he saw a 5 minute ceremony across The Field with a raising of the standard. Presumably he was using binos.

Possibly related to this and a handover of the 100th ARW command? -

6/13/2013 - Col. Christopher Kulas, 100th Air Refueling Wing commander, is sprayed with water by his son, Samuel Kulas, 10, following his fini flight June 12, 2013, on RAF Mildenhall, England. This flight marked Kulas’ last flight as 100th ARW commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jerilyn Quintanilla/Released)

[Tronk 11]

I've been told the 7th SOS are getting the CV-22's so the MC-130H's will be going back to the US eventually?

[nellis6]

I've been told the 7th SOS are getting the CV-22's so the MC-130H's will be going back to the US eventually?

Thought the CV-22's are going to the 21SOS (being reactivated). But yes, the MC-130H's will be returned to US as well

[Stu]

Yes thought the 21 SOS were to be re activated, sure the 67th will get new Js first

[Tronk 11]

I've heard from a good source that the 21st won't be activated it will stay as the 7th with CV-22's. That info is a few months old, but a few of the crews from the 7th were being trained in the CV-22. I'm sure it will be cheaper not reactivating a new squadron & deactivating the 7th, just to do the same job! Also the 7th SOS heritage goes A LOT further back, & that counts for something within the USAF.Deactivation & reactivating squadrons is a complicated, costly business.
Whatever happens they'll only be two SOS units at Mildenhall.

[POL]

Also the 7th SOS heritage goes A LOT further back, & that counts for something within the USAF

21st SOS formed as 21st Pursuit Squadron on 22 December 1939 and has been inactivated three times
7th SOS formed as 27th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron at some point in July 1942 and has been inactivated twice

Difficult one, but the 21st SOS has been around longer!

Edit: Fixed, miscounted the 21st SOS's disbandments!

[Stu]

The Media event for Monday has now been moved yet again I dont have a day this time........

[youth]

I guess the Osprey could still arrive media or no media event???

[Knife 04]

I guess the Osprey could still arrive media or no media event???

Probably gone 'tech'. I still have some doubts over this thing's reliability although it has not been in the aviation news recently. Time will tell I guess

When it was announced that a squadron would be based at Mildenhall I can remember reading a post from a former Osprey pilot on a forum. He suggested that the people of Suffolk should make sure they are insured. His parting comment was 'coming to a field near RAF Mildenhall soon'

[Tronk 11]

My historical heritage is a little lacking.

When I went to a Duxford American Air day a few years ago the MH-53 crews weren't impressed. They said they couldn't even get an inflatable dingy in that the 321st STS use. I have to admit its small inside.

[li'l spotter]

Is there any final day scheduled on them arriving?

[H.A.Bucken]

Friend on the Mound heard from someone that two recent MC-130 departures were using c/s Raul/Rawl 31+32. As the CV-22s have used c/s 31+32 (Sway) he's speculating these have gone over the pond to accompany the Ospreys into the UK. Does anyone have any North of England sector freeks? Cheers

[BOLLO]

Friend on the Mound heard from someone that two recent MC-130 departures were using c/s Raul/Rawl 31+32. As the CV-22s have used c/s 31+32 (Sway) he's speculating these have gone over the pond to accompany the Ospreys into the UK. Does anyone have any North of England sector freeks? Cheers

TALON 71/RULE 32 went to Kef from the looks of it.

[shuck]

Are the two CV-22B's Sway 31-32 still at Goose Bay?

[galaxysi]

not coming yet.the media day on friday has been cancelled,as the CV's have been delayed due to 'weather and unforseen circumstances'.

[Thunderbolt II]

Hopefully they'll arrive early next week when I have some rare time off. Is that a realistic hope?

[Snoop 95]

I am not clear whether the CV22 is in flight refuel capable. Looking at the Wikipedia page on the aircraft the earlier models had a probe which I guess was for ifr, but later models don't have the probe or any sign of the refuelling dock that other USAF a/c have. Anyone know the answer please?

[POL]

They're all capable of being refuelled in flight.