The MV-22B pre-deployment training was conducted at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona and included the tactical recovery of aircraft. MV-22 platforms can be deployed to serve in combat search and rescue missions.

The training was intended to integrate the USMC into a joint personnel recovery mission.

Marine Corps major Kristoffer Ljunggren said: “We conducted an integrated recovery training mission with air force squadrons at Davis-Monthan. We also conducted combat assault transport training via a simulated air assault and aviation logistics support to and from Davis-Monthan.”

During the training, MV-22 aircrews familiarized themselves with tactics, techniques and procedures and improved the readiness of the US force to take on any potential adversaries that the country may face.

Ljunggren added: “The training that we conducted was part of a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation to test our combat capability as we prepare for a future deployment. A-10 (Thunderbolt II) from Davis-Monthan acted as recovery mission co-ordinators and rescue escorts for our MV-22s, which were the recovery vehicles for the simulated personnel recovery mission.”