U.S. Marines aircraft moved to Afghanistan

LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- A total of 10 V-22 Ospreys, military aircraft used by the U.S. Marines, are in Afghanistan after departing an amphibious assault ship, the military said.

The (Norfolk) Virginian-Pilot reported Saturday the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit aircraft traveled from the assault ship Bataan to Camp Bastion in Afghanistan's Helmand province.

The U.S. Navy said the Marines Corps unit, which is made up for more than 2,200 Marines and sailors, represented the first military unit to have Ospreys transported into Afghanistan.

The unit's commanding officer, Col. Gareth F. Brand, said in a statement the Ospreys, which can take off in a style similar to a helicopter but fly like an airplane, will be a great benefit in Afghanistan.

"We have spent more than a year working with the MV-22B and know that the added capabilities this aircraft brings will benefit the Marines currently engaged against the enemy," Brand said.

The Virginian-Pilot said the Osprey aircraft remains controversial due to a series of crashes during its development that resulted in the deaths of 30 Marines and civilians.