A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey, assigned to Marine Tiltrotor Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron Two Two (VMX-22), prepares to takeoff.

Norfolk, Va. (Nov. 02, 2005) A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey, assigned to Marine Tiltrotor Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron Two Two (VMX-22), prepares to takeoff from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1). Wasp, homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, is conducting port familiarization operations in anticipation of an upcoming underway training period with the MV-22 Osprey. The MV-22 is an advanced technology, vertical/short takeoff and landing (VSTOL) multipurpose tactical aircraft, and is scheduled to replace the aging CH-46E Sea Knight and CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopters currently in service. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Timothy Bensken File# 051102-N-3527B-096