Marine Week Chicago closes with the MV-22 Osprey
CHICAGO —
On the final day of Marine Week Chicago infantry Marines from Company F, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines put on a raid demonstration in front of around 2,000 people at the Arlington Park Racetrack.
http://www.usmc.mil/community/marineweek/Pages/MarineWeekChicagocloseswiththeMV-22Osprey.aspx
5/18/2009
By Lance Cpl. Bryan G. Carfrey,
Headquarters Marine Corps
"They did a reconnaissance reenactment," said David Lyng, 27. "They secured the area and then were picked up. It was amazing."
The Marines were flown in on a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter. Upon landing on the track's infield the Marines exited the aircraft and set up a security around the perimeter. The MV-22 Osprey then flew in and landed to pick up the Marine.
"I got goosebumps seeing the Marines come out of the helicopter," said Franky Leyva, 14. "It's the first time I've ever seen anything like it."
There were static displays of Marine Corps aircraft and vehicles set-up outside in the parking lot of Arlington Park, but to many in attendance the MV-22 Osprey stole the show.
"I came out to see these wonderful aircrafts in flight," said Tony Ranallo, 50. "It's pretty awesome to see what you can do when you put your mind to it. The MV-22 is just amazing."
Even Marines involved in the show were pleased with the performance.
"A lot of people didn't know much about the Osprey," said Lance Cpl. Andrew Groeger, a flight line mechanic for the Osprey. "It was an amazing performance and it went off without a hitch. People now love the Osprey, I got probably 100 questions about it."
It was neat and a lot of fun to watch, said Kara Boonstra, 24. She was amazed with the size of the helicopters and what the Marines do to protect this country, she said.
"The Osprey actually hovered, and amazing feat of engineering," said Lyng.
The first ever Marine Week has officially come to a close.
"Marine Week has been great," said Groeger. "Its been a lot of hard work, but the demonstrations were a success."
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