As the marine layer burned off over Southern California on the morning of June 6, 2019, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar became the scene for an impressive demonstration of military capability. A large-scale training exercise was conducted by Marine Aircraft Group 16 (MAG-16) with the 3d Marine Aircraft Wing, launching 26 MV-22B Ospreys and 14 CH-53E Super Stallions in a show of combat readiness and capability.
According to Colonel Craig C. LeFlore, the commanding officer of MAG-16, “MAG-16 has executed our maximum flight event to demonstrate the combat readiness of our MAG and to tell the MAG-16 story.” He further went on to add that the unit was ready at all times to respond to any crisis all around the world in an instant, and this type of training exercise helped to keep them ready.
Known as an “elephant walk,” the aircraft taxied en masse before taking off in quick succession. The practice is one started during World War II, meant to demonstrate American airmen’s might. Traditionally, this has been completed with bomber and fighter aircraft, but the particular elephant walk included the tiltrotor MV-22 Osprey and the heavy-lift CH-53E Super Stallion.
“Seeing 20-odd MV-22s lined up on the runway together was a head-turner,” one observer said. The Osprey, which first entered into service in 1999, joins the vertical flight capabilities of helicopters with the speed, range, and endurance of fixed-wing transports. Having the ability to carry upwards of more than 20 Marines over 400 nautical miles at a cruise speed of 266 knots, the Osprey has been one of the cornerstones of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force for well over two decades.
Also integral to the exercise was the CH-53E Super Stallion, the only heavy lift helicopter in the Department of Defense’s rotorcraft inventory. The 37,500-pound Super Stallion can haul more than 30 Marines or over 32,000 pounds of cargo more than 110 nautical miles. Its heavy-lift capabilities make it invaluable for a wide range of assault support operations, from combat assault support to air evacuation.
LeFlore brought to the forefront that the exercise wasn’t simply for appearance. The majority of these aircraft will go out and conduct tactical training after their launch,” he said. This keeps Marines the most prepared when the nation is least ready, a sentiment reflected in the kinetic energy and focused drive of the Marines and Sailors executing this event.
The MV-22B Osprey, the CH-53E Super Stallion, and MAG-16 capabilities have combined to provide the opportunity for humanitarian assistance, disaster response, typhoons, earthquakes, and California fire suppression worldwide. These operations are important in terms of readiness and commitment by Marines and Sailors of MAG-16.
The mass sortie on June 6, 2019, also offered a fitting tribute to the 75th Anniversary of D-Day, serving as a reminder of the achievements of those who’ve gone before us.