A CV-22 Osprey landed on the Landing Helicopter Deck

A CV-22 Osprey landed on the Landing Helicopter Deck at Duke Field, for the first time April 3. This was the first step in an effort to utilize the LHD as part of a pre-deployment requirement for CV-22 aircrew to be deck qualified. In previous years, members of the 8th Special Operations Squadron and the 8th Aircraft Maintenance Unit would travel to various locations multiple times a year to gain aircraft carrier qualification. The LHD will serve as part of the aircraft carrier qualification, decreasing the amount of time 8th SOS and 8th AMU personnel spend off station to fulfill the requirement. Additionally, the LHD has the potential to save the Air Force $2.2 million annually. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Pick)