The Department of the Navy (DoN) is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to assess the potential environmental effects of basing the MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor (MV-22) aircraft in the Western United States (U.S.).

The proposed introduction of MV-22 aircraft to the Western U.S. is part of a U.S. Marine Corps (USMC)-wide process of replacing its aging fleet of medium-lift helicopters with more advanced, operationally-capable aircraft.

The MV-22 is designed to satisfy many operational requirements to modernize the USMC helicopter fleet and improve the operational capabilities of the Third and Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing (3D and 4th MAW) squadrons. 

The proposed action as described in Chapter 2.0 of this EIS would include:

1) Basing up to 8 MV-22 squadrons for employment by the 3D MAW to provide medium lift capability to I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF);

2) Basing of two 4th MAW MV-22 squadrons to provide a West Coast reserve component medium lift capability;

3) construction and/or renovation of airfield facilities necessary to accommodate and maintain the MV-22 squadrons; and

4) conducting MV-22 readiness and training operations and special exercise operations to attain and maintain proficiency in the operational employment of the MV-22.

This site is best viewed using Internet Explorer.
Last update: 07/2008-SAIC/hms
Contact for web site technical problems: webmaster@mv22eiswest.net