The Spanish Navy’s Landing Helicopter Dock LHD Juan Carlos I embarked four MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft from a U.S. Marine Corps Squadron during the international NATO exercise Trident Juncture 2015.
This deployment represents a milestone because it is the first time a USMC Air Squadron becomes a fully operational Air Unit on board a non-US Navy warship.
Apart from the 4 Ospreys, the Embarked Air Unit (UNAEMB in its Spanish initials) included six AV-8B Harrier aircraft and one AB-212 helicopter.
The USMC squadron is currently deployed in Moron Air Base, Spain.
The MV-22s were tasked with raid missions conducted by mixed Marine Corps companies from USA, Spain and Portugal. The Marines were air-lifted from the Spanish LHD to the Portuguese firing ranges of Pinheiro da Cruz and Milfontes.
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Image: Spanish Navy