Videos

The MV-22B Osprey is the Marine Corps’ medium-lift capable, tiltrotor, short take-off and landing aircraft. As such, it has the speed and range of a turboprop airplane and the maneuverability of a helicopter. It has been critical to 1st Marine Aircraft Wing’s mission of transporting troops, equipment, and supplies, from ships and land bases for combat assault and assault support missions.

U.S. Marine Corps, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing Chief of Staff, Col. Jeremy Beaven reflects on the origin of the callsign "Cactus" at Marine Corps Base Butler, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 3, 2022. The capture of Guadalcanal marked the turning point of the war in the Pacific. The importance of aviation to Marine tactics was graphically demonstrated at Guadalcanal where one of the first objectives of the assault was a partially completed Japanese airfield, later renamed Henderson Field. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Staff Sgt. Branden J. Bourque and Cpl. Dalton J. Payne)