USS BATAAN -- Marines with Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, washed squadron aircraft aboard USS Bataan in the Mediterranean Sea, April 26, 2011.
The Marines conducted the routine maintenance with sponges and water hoses amid ongoing training operations aboard the ship.
In a team of four, the Marines scrubbed and rinsed an MV-22B Osprey, removing salt, dirt and other corrosive materials from the aircraft’s surface.
The Marines used teamwork to wash the bus-sized aircraft, and climbed on the fuselage using a safety harness to clean hard-to-reach areas.
“Every seven days they have to get washed; they get salt build-up and just get dirty,” said Cpl. Daniel S. Porrocecchio, 23, an MV-22B Osprey mechanic with VMM-263 (REIN), and native of South Brunswick, N.J.
Porrocecchio said the Ospreys must be routinely washed in order to maintain cleanliness and serviceability. The Marines also lubricate the landing gear and remove the remaining suds and water from the aircraft during the weekly preventative maintenance.
The Marines and sailors of the 22nd MEU are currently deployed with Amphibious Squadron 6 aboard USS Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and will continue to train and improve the MEU’s ability to operate as a cohesive and effective Marine Air Ground Task Force.
The 22nd MEU is a multi-mission, capable force, commanded by Col. Eric J. Steidl and comprised of an Aviation Combat Element, VMM-263 (Reinforced); a Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22; a Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; and its Command Element.
Marine Expeditionary Units are the Marine Corps’ smallest permanent Marine Air-Ground Task Force, and comprised of approximately 2,200 Marines and sailors ready to provide immediate response to a hostile environment or crisis.