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2nd Force Recon Jumps into History

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Feb. 2) -- Marines from 2d Force Reconnaissance Company, 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division recently jumped into the history books when they completed the first ever tilt-rotor aircraft jump using the MV-22A OSPREY at Patuxent River, Md.

The V-22 Integrated Test Team (ITT) asked six Marines and a Navy hospital corpsman from 2d Force Recon. Co., to lend their expertise in high-altitude parachuting. In addition, Marines from Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM), Quantico, Va., assisted the ITT and their efforts culminated in High Altitude, Low Opening (HALO) jumps at Fort A.P. Hill, Va.

According to Gunnery Sgt. Ed Walsh, a Las Vegas native, the Force Recon. Marines had been asked to do the jumps in the past, but due to scheduling problems and operational commitments, the test could not take place.

Walsh and another Force Recon. parachute rigger, Cpl. Tony Anderson, from Milton, Fla., left ahead of their fellow Force Recon. parachutists to lend technical expertise and advice to the ITT.

"We offered several recommendations concerning static line and free fall parachuting to the test directors, " Walsh explained. "We evaluated everything from the anchor line cable systems for personnel and cargo to the desired airspeed, ramp angle, nacelle angle and altitudes. They (the Test Directors) were very receptive to all our comments."

Although meetings and technical debriefs after a series of test flights were a major portion of the trip, Walsh said the actual jumps were the highlight. "There is a lot involved in planning any parachute operation," Walsh said. "It's a lot more than just throwing a parachute on your back and jumping out."

Although current designs in the V-22 were not conducive to static line parachuting, the test jumpers braved temperatures of approximately 35 degrees below zero at jump altitude to complete their free fall mission. Walsh and St. Louis native Gunnery Sgt. Greg Gillispie, Ground Weapons, Raids and Recon Section, MARCORSYSCOM, were the first jumpers to exit the aircraft due to their jump experience.

"It was more than just a jump, we were actually evaluating how other jumpers would be affected by the relative air coming from the aircraft as well as the proposed airspeed and altitude,? said Walsh. Since no one in the world had ever jumped from a tilt-rotor aircraft, Gillispie and Walsh's recommendations would determine how follow-on jumps would go. Gillispie was the first to exit the aircraft, leaping backwards in what HALO jumpers call a "poise" position and Walsh followed in a standard dive. A closely tailing chase plane equipped with video and still photography documented their every move.

"It was a great jump," said Walsh. He said that after leaving the aircraft's ramp, both jumpers transitioned from a steep angled departure position into a face-to-earth position very gently. Other aircraft, due to their engines, propel the jumpers through the air with tremendous force. After exiting the aircraft and transitioning into their free fall positions, Walsh and Gillispie linked up in the air, falling at approximately 120 mph. According to Walsh, they were all smiles until they broke apart and deployed their parachutes. They landed with pinpoint accuracy on target, next to each other and right into the pages of history.

"This was a real team effort," said Lt. Col. Marc Manella, Government Flight Test Director, V-22 Integrated Test Team. "Many thanks go out to the jumpers from 2d Force Recon and MARCORSYSCOM for their can-do spirit and flexibility. Many of their current taskings were rescheduled to accommodate our test schedule and the entire Osprey Test Team is very appreciative. Together we were able to pull this off quickly and safely."

According to Manella, a total of 24 jumps, both administrative as well as in combat equipment profile, were recorded at 10,000 feet to qualify the V-22 for free fall parachute service. The HALO qualified Marines provided invaluable research data for the V-22A ITT and in the process got to feel the rush of jumping from a new and unusual jump platform.

"All of us involved in the test jumps were extremely pleased," said Walsh. "To be asked to test jump from any new aircraft, and especially the V-22, was a huge honor and we are all glad we could help out."

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