MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Thousands of fans cheered as the Marine Air/Ground Task Force assault demonstration rocked the flight line with large explosives at the 2010 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show Oct. 2.
The explosives were part of a simulated assault from a MAGTF, which included two of Miramar’s newest airframe, the MV-22 “Osprey” from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161.
Capt. John C. Reeves, the assistant aviation supply officer with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing logistics department, excited the crowd with his narration of the event.
The demo displayed coordinated use of close air, ground, artillery and infantry forces.
The Ospreys landed on the flight line during the demonstration and two fire teams of Marines ran out to provide an assault force.
“This year is the first show where the crowd got to see the Osprey in action,” said Capt. John C. Tillman, an MV-22 pilot with VMM-161. “The MV-22 is an awesome aircraft and we are excited to fly it for them.”
An FA-18 Hornet and AV-8B Harrier provided cover as helicopters brought in fire teams of riflemen, and KC-130 “Hercules” provided aerial refueling while tanks supported to the ground offensive.
As the Marines on the ground approached the crowd of spectators, a Hornet from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, the “Black Knight” along with three CH-53E “Super Stallion” helicopters from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465, the “Warhorse,” two CH-46 “Sea Knights” and a Harrier flew over and cued the detonation of large explosions.
After the demonstration, the Marines lined up and shook hands with spectators as the crowd applauded.
“The MAGTF demo was incredible,” said Christopher Bailey, a San Diego native. “My kids and I couldn’t wait to see the Ospreys, and we were very excited to see them. We’ve come here for the past few years and every year the air show gets better and better.”
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