RFA Mounts Bay Operates With US Osprey In Historic First

Amphibious ship RFA Mounts Bay has become the first Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel to operate with the US military's Osprey aircraft during missions off the Scottish coast.

The MV22 Osprey based at RAF Midenhall in Suffolk, landed on Mounts Bay whilst she took part in the Littoral Strike Group (North) deployment.

The iconic Osprey takes off and lands just like a helicopter, then rotates its propellers to fly like a conventional aircraft.

RFA sailors and personnel from 1700 and 847 Naval Air Squadron worked in unison to land the Osprey, which was providing air support to Royal Marines from 45 Commando during amphibious exercises. 

Flight Deck Officer Mick Burton was among the team who made the aircraft landing possible.

He said: "After lots of preparation for today, myself and the team were delighted to work with such a fascinating aircraft and I look forward to working with it lots more in the coming weeks."

The Osprey’s debut on Mounts Bay is the result of several months of planning and work, including preparation work in Portland at the beginning of April, the Navy said.

The milestone has added significance as one of the RFA's Bay-class ships is lined up for conversion into a Littoral Strike Ship, meaning it will be central to future commando operations and will continue to work with the US military.

Operated by the US Marine Corps and US Air Force, the Osprey is the main aircraft for carrying American marines and related units into battle.

It can fly higher, further and faster than a helicopter and thanks to its tiltrotor design, can land in and take off from tight spots.

Cover image: RFA Mounts Bay, the first Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel to operate with the US military’s Osprey aircraft (Picture: Royal Navy).