In preparation for replacing the Navy's C-2A Greyhound carrier onboard delivery (COD) platform with the future Navy variant CMV-22B Osprey, Naval Air Forces is conducting a Fleet Battle Experiment, July 22 through Aug. 4.

The experiment will explore, analyze, and document the characteristics of operating a detachment of MV-22s as the COD platform for the carrier strike group.

This Fleet Battle Experiment will inform the tactics, techniques and procedures for the CMV-22B Osprey to seamlessly accomplish the COD mission during fleet operations.

"Deliberate planning is required to safely and successfully integrate the CMV-22B into our future air wings," said Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker, Commander, Naval Air Forces. "The analysis and conclusions from this experiment will inform future concept-of-operations development."

"The Osprey has a proven record in the Marine Corps, and we are looking forward to bringing its capabilities to our carrier strike groups," said Shoemaker.

The Marine Corps is providing aircraft, aircrews and maintainers from Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1) and Marine Helicopter Squadron 1 (HMX-1) to enable the experiment by replicating the future intended Navy CMV-22B capabilities when delivered.

Future CMV-22B detachments will recapitalize and build upon the flexibility, mobility, responsiveness, and independence of today's C-2A Greyhound detachments. The V-22 is an effective, flexible, and safe aircraft with the proven capability to provide aerial logistics support in the maritime environment. Applying the capability to COD's mission is a cost-effective evolution of the program of record.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Commander, Naval Air Forces, visit www.navy.mil/.