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Marines

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Capt. Luke Williamson, left, navigates the CH-46 during its last flight Sept. 30 from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma to its place of rest on Camp Kinser. The CH-46E Sea Knight, affectionately called “the Phrog,” has served with the Marine Corps and Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 since the Vietnam War. The VMM-262 “Flying Tigers” have used the CH-46 to participate in engagements such as Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, Operation Unified Assistance in Southeast Asia, and, most recently, Operation Tomodachi in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent tsunami. After serving faithfully for decades, the Phrog’s service has ended, paving the way for the MV-22B Osprey to take over. Williamson is a CH-46E pilot with VMM-262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Air Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran/ Released)

Capt. Luke Williamson, left, navigates the CH-46 during its last flight Sept. 30 from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma to its place of rest on Camp Kinser. The CH-46E Sea Knight, affectionately called “the Phrog,” has served with the Marine Corps and Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 since the Vietnam War. The VMM-262 “Flying Tigers” have used the CH-46 to participate in engagements such as Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, Operation Unified Assistance in Southeast Asia, and, most recently, Operation Tomodachi in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent tsunami. After serving faithfully for decades, the Phrog’s service has ended, paving the way for the MV-22B Osprey to take over. Williamson is a CH-46E pilot with VMM-262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Air Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran/ Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran

Lt. Col. Sean P. Patak, center left, speaks to a delegation of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan Sept. 9 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The delegation visited the air station to learn more about the air station’s capabilities and the MV-22B Osprey. Patak is the executive officer of MCAS Futenma. Photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran

Lt. Col. Sean P. Patak, center left, speaks to a delegation of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan Sept. 9 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The delegation visited the air station to learn more about the air station’s capabilities and the MV-22B Osprey. Patak is the executive officer of MCAS Futenma. Photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran

Photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie Rostran

CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters practice landing and taking off at a confined landing zone in the Central Training Area Sept. 6 as part of a sundown flight held to commemorate the aircraft. Sundown flights are conducted as a military tradition for retiring aircraft. The Marine Corps is phasing-out the CH-46E and replacing it with the MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. The CH-46Es are a part of Marine Medium Tiltorotor Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters practice landing and taking off at a confined landing zone in the Central Training Area Sept. 6 as part of a sundown flight held to commemorate the aircraft. Sundown flights are conducted as a military tradition for retiring aircraft. The Marine Corps is phasing-out the CH-46E and replacing it with the MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. The CH-46Es are a part of Marine Medium Tiltorotor Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Donald T. Peterson

CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters perform a sundown flight over Okinawa Sept. 6 to commemorate the retiring aircraft. Sundown flights are a tradition for retiring aircraft. Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 is slated to hold their final flight of CH-46Es Sept. 30, as they fly down to Camp Kinser to be retired. VMM-262 is a part of Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters perform a sundown flight over Okinawa Sept. 6 to commemorate the retiring aircraft. Sundown flights are a tradition for retiring aircraft. Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 is slated to hold their final flight of CH-46Es Sept. 30, as they fly down to Camp Kinser to be retired. VMM-262 is a part of Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Donald T. Peterson

Members of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan explore the interior of an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft Sept. 9 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The delegation learned about the Osprey’s capabilities and pilot training during their visit to the air station. The Osprey is with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Members of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan explore the interior of an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft Sept. 9 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The delegation learned about the Osprey’s capabilities and pilot training during their visit to the air station. The Osprey is with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran

A member of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan sits in the cockpit of an MV-22B Osprey Sept. 9 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. During the LDP’s visit to the station, the delegation was able to get a close-up look of the Osprey and learn about the aircraft’s capabilities. The Osprey is with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

A member of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan sits in the cockpit of an MV-22B Osprey Sept. 9 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. During the LDP’s visit to the station, the delegation was able to get a close-up look of the Osprey and learn about the aircraft’s capabilities. The Osprey is with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran

Brig. Gen. Steven R. Rudder addresses the crowd Aug. 30 during the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 redesignation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The redesignation symbolized the squadron's transition from CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters to MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft and the improvement of III Marine Expeditionary Force operational agility. VMM-262 is a part of Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF. Rudder is the commanding general of 1st MAW.

Brig. Gen. Steven R. Rudder addresses the crowd Aug. 30 during the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 redesignation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The redesignation symbolized the squadron's transition from CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters to MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft and the improvement of III Marine Expeditionary Force operational agility. VMM-262 is a part of Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF. Rudder is the commanding general of 1st MAW.

Photo by Cpl. Matthew J. Manning

Lt. Col. Larry G. Brown salutes the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 unit colors as they pass in review Aug. 30 during a redesignation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The squadron, previously Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262, was redesignated to reflect the replacement of the squadron's CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters with MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. The Osprey will increase the operational range, agility and load-carrying capabilities of VMM-262, providing III Marine Expeditionary Force with improved rapid-response ability throughout the Asia-Pacific region. VMM-262 is a part of Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF. Brown is the commanding officer of VMM-262.

Lt. Col. Larry G. Brown salutes the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 unit colors as they pass in review Aug. 30 during a redesignation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The squadron, previously Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262, was redesignated to reflect the replacement of the squadron's CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters with MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. The Osprey will increase the operational range, agility and load-carrying capabilities of VMM-262, providing III Marine Expeditionary Force with improved rapid-response ability throughout the Asia-Pacific region. VMM-262 is a part of Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF. Brown is the commanding officer of VMM-262.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran

Lt. Col. Larry G. Brown addresses the crowd Aug. 30 at the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 redesignation on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The squadron, previously Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262, was redesignated to reflect the replacement of the squadron's CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters with MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. The Osprey will increase the operational range, agility and load-carrying capabilities of VMM-262, providing III Marine Expeditionary Force with improved rapid-response ability throughout the Asia-Pacific region. VMM-262 is a part of Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF. Brown is the commanding officer of VMM-262.

Lt. Col. Larry G. Brown addresses the crowd Aug. 30 at the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 redesignation on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The squadron, previously Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262, was redesignated to reflect the replacement of the squadron's CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters with MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. The Osprey will increase the operational range, agility and load-carrying capabilities of VMM-262, providing III Marine Expeditionary Force with improved rapid-response ability throughout the Asia-Pacific region. VMM-262 is a part of Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF. Brown is the commanding officer of VMM-262.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran

Lt. Col. Larry G. Brown, right, and Sgt. Maj. Devon A. Lee case the former unit colors Aug. 30 during the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 redesignation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The squadron, previously Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262, was redesignated to reflect the replacement of the squadron's CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters with MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. The Osprey will increase the operational range, agility and load-carrying capabilities of VMM-262, providing III Marine Expeditionary Force with improved rapid-response ability throughout the Asia-Pacific region. VMM-262 is a part of Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF. Brown is the commanding officer, and Lee is the squadron sergeant major of VMM-262.

Lt. Col. Larry G. Brown, right, and Sgt. Maj. Devon A. Lee case the former unit colors Aug. 30 during the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 redesignation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The squadron, previously Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262, was redesignated to reflect the replacement of the squadron's CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters with MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. The Osprey will increase the operational range, agility and load-carrying capabilities of VMM-262, providing III Marine Expeditionary Force with improved rapid-response ability throughout the Asia-Pacific region. VMM-262 is a part of Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF. Brown is the commanding officer, and Lee is the squadron sergeant major of VMM-262.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran

Lt. Col. Larry G. Brown, right, adjusts the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 unit colors Aug. 30 during a redesignation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The squadron, previously Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262, was redesignated to reflect the replacement of the squadron's CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters with MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. “As we begin the next chapter and continue our transition from good to great, how we do things will continue to change, but why we do them and who we are shall remain,” said Brown during the ceremony. VMM-262 is a part of Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF. Brown is the commanding officer of VMM-262.

Lt. Col. Larry G. Brown, right, adjusts the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 unit colors Aug. 30 during a redesignation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The squadron, previously Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262, was redesignated to reflect the replacement of the squadron's CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters with MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. “As we begin the next chapter and continue our transition from good to great, how we do things will continue to change, but why we do them and who we are shall remain,” said Brown during the ceremony. VMM-262 is a part of Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF. Brown is the commanding officer of VMM-262.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran

Lt. Col. Larry G. Brown, right, and Sgt. Maj. Devon A. Lee prepare to case the unit colors Aug. 30 during the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 redesignation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The squadron, previously Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262, was redesignated to reflect the replacement of the squadron's CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters with MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. The Osprey will increase the operational range, agility and load-carrying capabilities of VMM-262, providing III Marine Expeditionary Force with improved rapid-response ability throughout the Asia-Pacific region. VMM-262 is a part of Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF. Brown is the commanding officer, and Lee is the squadron sergeant major of VMM-262.

Lt. Col. Larry G. Brown, right, and Sgt. Maj. Devon A. Lee prepare to case the unit colors Aug. 30 during the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 redesignation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The squadron, previously Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262, was redesignated to reflect the replacement of the squadron's CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters with MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. The Osprey will increase the operational range, agility and load-carrying capabilities of VMM-262, providing III Marine Expeditionary Force with improved rapid-response ability throughout the Asia-Pacific region. VMM-262 is a part of Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF. Brown is the commanding officer, and Lee is the squadron sergeant major of VMM-262.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran

An MV-22B Osprey taxis after landing at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma Aug. 12. The Marine Corps is modernizing its fleet with MV-22 tiltrotor aircraft and removing the remaining CH-46E helicopters from service with one-for-one swaps. The Ospreys can fly twice as fast, carry three times as much and fly four times the distance of the older CH-46E helicopter it is replacing. The Osprey is with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Stephen Himes)

An MV-22B Osprey taxis after landing at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma Aug. 12. The Marine Corps is modernizing its fleet with MV-22 tiltrotor aircraft and removing the remaining CH-46E helicopters from service with one-for-one swaps. The Ospreys can fly twice as fast, carry three times as much and fly four times the distance of the older CH-46E helicopter it is replacing. The Osprey is with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Stephen Himes)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Stephen Himes

MV-22B Ospreys land at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma Aug. 12 after flying from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni. The tiltrotor aircraft combines the vertical capability of a helicopter with the speed and range of a fixed-wing aircraft, enabling it to fly twice as fast, carry three times as much, and fly four times the distanceof the older CH-46E helicopter it is replacing. The Ospreys are with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Stephen Himes/Released)

MV-22B Ospreys land at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma Aug. 12 after flying from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni. The tiltrotor aircraft combines the vertical capability of a helicopter with the speed and range of a fixed-wing aircraft, enabling it to fly twice as fast, carry three times as much, and fly four times the distanceof the older CH-46E helicopter it is replacing. The Ospreys are with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Stephen Himes/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Stephen Himes

The Color Guard with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st Maw) units, March on the Colors during the 1st MAW Commanding General Change of Command ceremony held on the Marine Corps Air Station Futenma flight line, Okinawa, Japan, July 9, 2013. The Change of Command ceremony represents the changing of authority between outgoing Maj. Gen. Christopher S. Owens and incoming Brig. Gen. Steven R. Rudder. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jeraco Jenkins MCIPAC Combat Camera/Released)

The Color Guard with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st Maw) units, March on the Colors during the 1st MAW Commanding General Change of Command ceremony held on the Marine Corps Air Station Futenma flight line, Okinawa, Japan, July 9, 2013. The Change of Command ceremony represents the changing of authority between outgoing Maj. Gen. Christopher S. Owens and incoming Brig. Gen. Steven R. Rudder. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jeraco Jenkins MCIPAC Combat Camera/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jeraco Jenkins

Gary Sinise addresses the audience at the Lt. Dan Band’s performance July 6 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. Sinise spoke to the crowd about the formation of the band, the contributions of the USO, the DSTRESS line and the Gary Sinise Foundation. Sinise is an actor known for his roles in CSI: NY and Forrest Gump. Photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran

Gary Sinise addresses the audience at the Lt. Dan Band’s performance July 6 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. Sinise spoke to the crowd about the formation of the band, the contributions of the USO, the DSTRESS line and the Gary Sinise Foundation. Sinise is an actor known for his roles in CSI: NY and Forrest Gump. Photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran

Photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran

Gary Sinise, left, and Dan Myers perform a song during the Lt. Dan Band’s performance July 6 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The concert was part of a tour that visited several U.S. bases throughout Japan and was sponsored by the USO and TriWest Healthcare Alliance. Sinise is the band’s bassist, and Myers is the vocalist and violinist. Photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran

Gary Sinise, left, and Dan Myers perform a song during the Lt. Dan Band’s performance July 6 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The concert was part of a tour that visited several U.S. bases throughout Japan and was sponsored by the USO and TriWest Healthcare Alliance. Sinise is the band’s bassist, and Myers is the vocalist and violinist. Photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran

Photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran

Gary Sinise sings during the Lt. Dan Band’s performance July 6 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The band played covers of songs ranging from classic hits to current chart-toppers. Sinise is the bassist for the band. Photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran

Gary Sinise sings during the Lt. Dan Band’s performance July 6 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The band played covers of songs ranging from classic hits to current chart-toppers. Sinise is the bassist for the band. Photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran

Photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran

Brig. Gen. Steven R. Rudder expressed his intent to build upon 1st Marine Aircraft Wing’s past successes during the 1st MAW change of command ceremony July 9 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. “When the commandant and the other general officers back in D.C. talk about this MAW, they talk about all the great things that have been accomplished…and I intend to continue leading this MAW to greatness,” said Rudder. Rudder relieved Maj. Gen. Christopher S. Owens as commanding general of 1st MAW, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran/Released)

Brig. Gen. Steven R. Rudder expressed his intent to build upon 1st Marine Aircraft Wing’s past successes during the 1st MAW change of command ceremony July 9 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. “When the commandant and the other general officers back in D.C. talk about this MAW, they talk about all the great things that have been accomplished…and I intend to continue leading this MAW to greatness,” said Rudder. Rudder relieved Maj. Gen. Christopher S. Owens as commanding general of 1st MAW, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran

The crew of an Antonov An-124 cargo aircraft prepares to load three CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters June 17 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The CH-46Es are assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The crew and cargo aircraft are with a Russian Federation contractor. Photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran

The crew of an Antonov An-124 cargo aircraft prepares to load three CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters June 17 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. The CH-46Es are assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The crew and cargo aircraft are with a Russian Federation contractor. Photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran

Photo by Lance Cpl. Natalie M. Rostran

Marine Corps Air Station Futenma