Since the first MV-22 Ospreys were deployed to Iraq in 2007, the Marines of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 have built a reputation for overcoming adversity through teamwork and ingenuity.

The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit’s (MEU) current deployment has proven an opportunity for VMM-263 (Reinforced) Detachment A to continue that tradition aboard the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), as they face the unique challenges of being the first Osprey detachment deployed aboard an LPD.

In order to form the detachment, the squadron had to split Osprey maintenance Marines and the usual supply of tools and equipment between the USS Bataan (LHD 5) and the Mesa Verde.

“The split left us with a single shift of maintainers and a limited supply of equipment, which could have potentially harmed our readiness,” said U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Cameron Hubbard, VMM-263 (Rein.) Det. A maintenance material control officer and native of Ozark, Mo. “The Marines here have been creative and innovative in maintaining these aircraft, at times working under the supervision of our quality assurance department to fabricate small components to maintain our readiness.”

In addition to limited parts and personnel, the detachment also battles an increased risk of corrosion from the sea.

The flight deck of the Mesa Verde sits approximately 40 feet above the water as opposed to much higher on larger ships like the Bataan, Hubbard said. The proximity of the water and the additional spray kicked up by an Osprey’s rotor wash when it launches from the flight deck exposes it to increased amounts of corrosive salt water.

“The corrosive effects of the salt water can cause significant damage to the aircraft in a matter of days,” Hubbard said. “It can be difficult to fight corrosion and perform routine maintenance for flight operations, but we have implemented corrosion control into our daily activities so we can focus on the mission while still fighting corrosion.”

As Marines inspect the aircraft, they look for evidence of corrosion and scrub it off wherever it is found. Additionally, nearly every member of the detachment participates in preventative wash-downs.

“We rinse our aircraft with fresh water daily and also wash it off with soap and water every week,” said Sgt. Richard Simpson, VMM-263 (Rein.) Det. A airframes division chief and native of Cincinnati. “Our administrators and operations Marines also pitch in to clean off the aircraft.”

Throughout the first 50 days of the deployment, the detachment invested approximately 109 man-hours into corrosion control and has also completed 131 corrosion prevention and treatment action forms, according to Hubbard.

This investment has allowed the detachment to maintain an average readiness level of 75 percent and the ability to participate in bilateral training exercises in the Mediterranean Sea.

“We have had so much success because our Marines here understand the mission and are able to keep the aircraft ready to go,” said Maj. Mark Woodard, VMM-263 (Rein.) Det. A commander. “We have some great Marines in our department and our maintenance chief did a great job selecting a crew that was capable of maintaining these aircraft on the Mesa Verde.”

“At the end of the day, everybody in the squadron is working hard to support the mission and return to (Marine Corps Air Station) New River with all our people and fully functioning planes,” Simpson added.

The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.