DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- Twenty Marines from Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response Central Command 16.1 showcased some of the unit’s aviation capabilities to thousands of foreign military personnel and distinguished visitors at the 2015 Dubai Air Show, Dubai World Central, United Arab Emirates from November 8 - 12. Some of the distinguished guests who passed by the Marine static display included Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Maj. Gen. Carl Mundy III, commander of 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade.
The Marine static display included the MV-22 Osprey and the KC-130J Super Hercules.
“It is important to display our presence, dedication and commitment to our allies and coalition partners within the region,” said Maj. Tim Costello, pilot and executive officer for the Red Dragons of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268, which is part of the ACE of SPMAGTF-CR-CC 16.1. “Our Marines represented us well and we were able to share the unique capabilities of our aircraft (Osprey) with thousands of guests that passed by the display.”
According to the Marines, some of the guests were familiar with the aircraft but most were not, and left the display amazed with the varied type of missions it can facilitate.
Some of the missions it can support include: Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel, Casualty Evacuations, Humanitarian Assistance, Disaster Relief and combat assault transport.
“The flexibility of the SPMAGTF to respond to any type of crisis is further enhanced by the unique capabilities that the Osprey brings to the table,” said Capt. John Campbell, a pilot for the aircraft and a weapons and tactics instructor with the unit.
“It allows the SPMAGTF to respond rapidly and build combat power faster than ever before,” added the Wilmington, North Carolina native. “The aircraft can take off and land in any sea-based or shore-based environment and flies at speeds much faster than a helicopter.”
The SPMAGTF-CR-CC Marines are currently deployed in the Southwest Asia region serving as the U.S. Marine Corps’ crisis response force, providing support to Operation Inherent Resolve, regional partner nations, and other U.S. interests.
Consisting of approximately 2,300 personnel, SPMAGTF-CR-CC is commanded by a colonel and is comprised of air, logistics, and ground combat elements. These elements provide the crisis response force with organic lift, sustainment and support, and strike capabilities.
“This week has been an amazing experience for all of us,” said Sgt. Dan Leneghan, a maintenance controller with the unit. “We had an opportunity to share our passion for Marine Corps aviation with our Middle Eastern friends while also enjoying this unique opportunity to visit this incredible country.”