Headquarters Marine Corps press release (Oct. 8, 2004): DoD officials experience Osprey capabilities.

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION (MCAS) NEW RIVER, N.C. -- An official party consisting of high-ranking members of the Department of Defense, visited Marine Tiltrotor Test and Evaluation Squadron-22 here on Oct. 8 to fly in an Osprey and personally evaluate the aircraft.

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Secretary of the Air Force James G. Roche, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. John P. Jumper, and Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict Thomas W. O'Connell, all flew in and spoke of the Osprey.

Jumper arrived at MCAS and after being briefed went to Marine Aircrew Training Systems Squadron to fly an Osprey simulator.

"I've been trying to do this for about three years now so I've finally had a chance to do it," he said. "Everything I've read about the airplane has been outstanding. For a fighter pilot to be able to fly this, it is amazing. When it is in its fixed-wing mode, it handles just like any airplane."

Jumper, originally from Paris, Texas, went to the VMX-22 hangar and shortly after piloted an Osprey. He flew with other members of his official party and, upon landing, shared his thoughts of the aircraft.

"This gives us capability, speed, and access in ways we did not have before. We're looking forward to the continuing development of the airplane. It's doing superbly so far," he said.

O'Connell said the V-22 program is similar to the C-17 program.

"The C-17 was a troubled program; they thought it would never get off the ground, and today it is the gold standard in the workforce of our transports. I think the evolution of the V-22 program will be much the same. It will advance rapidly, new capabilities will be added, and there'll be new tactics, techniques, and procedures. It will be used at sea so it opens a whole new horizon for special operations."

Roche spoke of the positive aspects the Osprey can bring to the military.

"The software stability demonstrates that this plane can do things we haven't been able to do before that give advantages to our special operations. You'll also want to take a look at this plane as a long-range combat search and rescue asset. This plane will be able to advance on enemies without the sound you get from a regular helicopter. It will allow us to get down and get off the ground faster."

Roche closed the day with a brief statement regarding the unity demonstrated by the Marines and airmen from VMX-22.

"I'm really glad we participated in this program for the last two-and-a-half years, and I'm very pleased with the unbelievable cooperation between the Marines and airmen. As they work together, they start to learn from each other."

The officer-in-charge of the squadron's flight line division, Capt. John E. Sarno, from Williamsburg, Va., said having VIPs take the time to visit MCAS New River is very important, not only to VMX-22, but also to the Marine Corps, as this project is going to transcend all Services.

"The squadron is always more than happy to show everybody the Osprey and dispel those rumors and misconceptions that might still be out there from years past," said Sarno.