ABOARD USS BONHOMME RICHARD, Pacific Ocean -- Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced) embarked aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) June 2 and 3, prior to a scheduled patrol as part of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.
As the aviation combat element of the 31st MEU, VMM-265 (Rein.) will participate in unit-level training to maintain mission readiness during a routine patrol in the Indo-Asia Pacific region with the USS Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group, to comprise the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group.
The ACE is a Marine composite squadron (reinforced) composed of a medium tiltrotor squadron consisting of the MV-22B Osprey augmented with detachments of CH-53E Super Stallion, AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom helicopters, and AV-8B Harrier jets.
Lt. Col. Bryan G. Swenson, the commanding officer of VMM-265 (Rein.), said he belongs to one of the best squadrons in the Marine Corps embarking on the amphibious ready group.
“The squadron led the Marine Corps in maintenance readiness for the entire year and accomplished all assigned tasking, both planned and emergent,” said Swenson. “We are ready to take this phenomenal squadron on the road and are excited to be joining the 31st MEU team.”
As the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MAGTF, the 31st MEU provides a flexible force, ready to perform a wide range of military tasks, from limited combat to humanitarian assistance operations, throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.