MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. -- Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 “Greyhawks” performed a rapid-ground-refuel training exercise aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Jan. 11.

Two MV-22B Osprey crews with VMM-161 flew to Twentynine Palms in support of Bravo Company, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, who were being evaluated for Enhanced Mojave Viper training, to practice RGR.

“RGR is a mission assigned to medium assault support aircraft, and it is one that we will continue to do,” said Capt. Newel R. Bartlett, the quality assurance officer with VMM-161 and a Thousand Oaks, Calif., native. “VMM-161 has done RGR with [light attack and utility helicopters] and [Light Armored Vehicles], and we are scheduled to do it numerous times at EMV.”

Rapid ground refuel is useful in combat situations when LAVs, which cover large areas of territory while on patrol, need fuel to carry on their mission. The air support element flies out to the LAV patrol area and provides fuel when the call is given.

After landing, the crew members of both aircraft quickly set up the refuel station before the arrival of the LAVs.

While waiting in the refuel station, LAV Marines assisted the Osprey crew members with the task at hand.

Less than an hour later, each fully-fueled LAV prowled through its assigned territory.

“[Marine Air Ground Task Force] training is the best training that we get,” said Bartlett. “Both units get to perform their missions and there are always learning points that come from the interaction.”

These points include how to set up the refuel site, certain precautions when landing the Ospreys and proficiency at getting all the gear set up.

After accomplishing their mission and stowing the gear away, the Greyhawks flew off into the direction of the setting sun. These training missions prepare and ensure future missions run smoothly and safely.