Amid safety obstacles, the V-22 Osprey program sees progress
Since March 2022, the V-22 Osprey program has experienced four crashes, resulting in the loss of 20 American service members. The most recent incident occurred last November, when a crew of eight Air Force airmen died in a V-22 crash off the coast of Japan. This crash, along with previous ones, prompted a service-wide stand-down of the Osprey as the investigation into the November 2023 crash progressed.
The investigation revealed that a “catastrophic failure” in one of the aircraft’s gearboxes contributed to the crash. In May, the aircraft resumed flights but only within 30 minutes of an alternate landing site.
Signs of progress have emerged. The aircraft will be deployed again, albeit with the same restrictions. Lt. Gen. Michael Conley, the new commander of the Air Force Special Operations Command, confirmed this development.
“We have about 60% of the fleet back to flying. We have a similar number of aircrew fully returned.” Conley said. “We followed a crawl, walk, run approach, requalifying our instructors and evaluators quickly, then trickling down to copilots and others in the squadron.”
While Conley did not disclose the deployment locations for the Ospreys, he did confirm that they would not be sent to Europe or the Indo-Pacific. Speaking at the 2024 Air, Space, and Cyber Conference in September, he expressed satisfaction with the program’s current status.
“We grounded the fleet for the right reasons, based on the evidence we had at the time,” Conley explained. “During the grounding period, we learned more. We reflected on the whole program, and what kept us grounded was not necessarily what grounded us initially. We have been deliberate, slow, and methodical to ensure we used the time wisely to bring us back up to speed.”
As one of the few aircraft used by multiple service branches, the stand-down provided an opportunity to strengthen inter-service relationships. Conley noted that everyone involved worked together to get the V-22s back in the air.
“Sometimes opportunity arises from crisis. The relationship we have now with NAVAIR, the Marine Corps, PMA-275, and General Richardson’s team at AFMC is probably as strong as it has ever been. As we look to keep the DoD V-22 fleet relevant for decades, these partnerships have grown stronger,” Conley said.
Regarding guidance for crews potentially facing the same issues that contributed to the November 2023 crash, Conley mentioned new safety procedures. Pilots are now advised to land after a second warning about metal fragments in the Osprey gearbox, whereas the previous standard called for three warnings before a mandatory landing.
“At the end of the day, aircraft commander and crew discretion will always play a role. The environments are unique depending on where we fly and what we do, but we have tightened the guidance to reduce ambiguity for the crews,” Conley stated.
In June, U.S. Naval Air Systems Command Chief Vice Adm. Carl Chebi informed a congressional hearing that the Osprey would not return to full-flight status until sometime in 2025.
The V-22 Osprey’s return to service: Weapons and Warfare
This week, Weapons and Warfare has an update on one of the Department of Defense’s most controversial aircraft: the V-22 Osprey. Host Ryan Robertson connected with the new boss of Air Force Special Operations Command, Lt. Gen. Michael Conley, for a progress report on how soon the tiltrotor transport might return to full operational status.
Also featured in this episode:
Russia takes down its own drone in the skies over Ukraine.
The U.S. Army is set to start Robotic Combat Vehicle competition.
A long-forgotten WWII bomb is triggered at a Japanese airport.
Weapon of the Week: Lockheed Martin unveils its new extreme-range missile.
You can subscribe to the Weapons and Warfare podcast on the platform of your choosing here.
Remains of missing Vietnam War pilot identified after 50 years
A Vietnam War pilot who had been missing for over 50 years has finally been identified. U.S. Marine Corps Captain Ronald W. Forrester was piloting an A-6A Intruder on a nighttime mission over northern Vietnam when his plane lost radio contact.
He was just 25 years old when his aircraft disappeared during the combat mission in 1972. Search-and-rescue efforts came up empty, and in 1978, the Marine Corps officially changed his status from missing in action to killed in action.
After decades of investigation, a breakthrough came when remains and evidence believed to be linked to both Forrester and his copilot were found. The discoveries were tied to a crash site in central Vietnam.
In order to identify the remains, scientists used mitochondrial DNA testing, along with evidence found at the crash site. Captain Forrester’s name is listed on the National Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Washington, and at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu.
Soon, a rosette be placed next to his name, to show he has finally been accounted for. He’ll be laid to rest on Oct. 7, at Arlington Cemetery.
Iran begins funeral services for president killed in helicopter crash
Funeral services for Iran’s president following the deadly helicopter crash are underway. The prosecution rests its case in Trump’s trial as the defense begins to call its witnesses. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
Iran begins funeral services for president killed in helicopter crash
Thousands of supporters have taken to the streets as Iran begins its “five days of mourning,” declared by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Tuesday, May 21. The first funeral procession drew in thousands of Iranians to the closest major city to the crash site. The recovered bodies will then be taken to a holy city in the afternoon.
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The defense concluded its cross-examination of the prosecution’s key witness, Michael Cohen, before calling its first witness, Cohen’s former legal advisor Robert Costello. Costello, who will retake the stand Tuesday, May 21, previously advised Cohen.
Costello claimed that in past discussions, Cohen asserted he had no incriminating information on Trump and insisted Trump was unaware of the payments made to Stormy Daniels.
During Costello’s testimony, the judge sustained multiple objections from the prosecution and eventually ordered the jury out of the room after Costello talked over the judge, rolled his eyes and muttered comments.
Meanwhile, Trump’s legal team has moved to dismiss the charges, a request on which the judge has yet to decide. The judge also instructed both sides to prepare for closing arguments next week.
Biden rejects International Criminal Court’s claims of Israel committing genocide
President Joe Biden has sharply criticized a request from an International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor for an arrest warrant for several Israeli leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Speaking from the Rose Garden, Biden said Israel is not committing genocide and dismissed the ICC’s comparison of Israeli defensive actions to Hamas’ atrocities.
“Let me be clear, we reject the ICC application for arrest warrants against Israeli leaders,” Biden stated. “Whatever these words may imply, there is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas. But let me be clear, contrary to allegations against Israel made by the International Court of Justice, what’s happening is not genocide. We reject that.”
The ICC’s top prosecutor has called for global arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Hamas leaders on charges of crimes against humanity, accusing Israel of deliberately targeting civilians in Gaza. Netanyahu has denied the charges, arguing that the prosecutor is wrongly equating Israel with Hamas.
If the court’s judges approve the warrant, Netanyahu could face arrest in any country that is a party to the court, which includes most of Europe.
Federal judge in Texas blocks Biden rule expanding gun background checks
A federal judge in Texas has temporarily blocked a new rule from the Biden administration that intended to close what is referred to as a “gun show loophole.” The rule would require all firearm sellers to be licensed and mandate background checks for buyers.
The rule was scheduled to go into effect Monday, but the judge ruled that the language of the rule intended to protect gun owners was “inadequate.” As a result, its implementation is on hold in Texas until at least June 2.
At least 22 other states have filed similar lawsuits to block the gun law.
Target cuts prices on 5,000 items to attract more shoppers
The move is in response to consumers’ budgetary constraints amid inflation concerns. These discounts apply both in-store and online via Target’s website and app. Notably, this pricing strategy follows Target’s first annual sales decline in seven years, with a 1.7% drop reported for 2023.
The trend of increased frugality among U.S. consumers persists, despite some easing in inflation and stable consumer spending. Other retailers, including Giant Food and Michaels, are also implementing price reductions
OpenAI responds to Scarlett Johansson, pauses ChatGPT voice ‘Sky’
OpenAI has paused the use of “Sky,” a voice in its ChatGPT projects, because it closely resembles Scarlett Johansson’s voice from the film “Her.” The company stated that Sky is actually the natural voice of another professional actress, not an imitation of Johansson.
The resemblance was highlighted after a product demonstration earlier this month, further intensified by CEO Sam Altman’s tweet that referenced the movie “Her.”
Iranian officials provide updates after the country’s president is killed in a helicopter crash. And President Joe Biden delivers a commencement address at Morehouse College. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Monday, May 20, 2024.
Rescue teams found the helicopter hours after it was reported missing following what officials described as a “hard landing.” Officials said there were “no signs of life.”
Iran’s first vice president, Mohammad Mokhber, will serve as acting president until an election is held.
Neighboring countries and allies of Iran — including Pakistan, Lebanon and Syria — have issued condolences and announced days of mourning. India’s Prime Minister expressed solidarity with Iran during this time of sorrow and Russian President Vladimir Putin remembered Raisi as “a true friend of Russia.”
The U.S. has not yet publicly commented on Raisi’s death, but the White House press secretary noted that President Joe Biden had been briefed on the incident.
U.S. National Security Advisor speaks with Netanyahu on war in Gaza
U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders in Jerusalem on Sunday, May 19. According to the White House, the talks focused on the war in Gaza, including discussions to secure the remaining hostages and the shared objective to defeat Hamas.
Israeli officials briefed Sullivan on the country’s military operations, while Sullivan reiterated President Biden’s position on an offensive in Rafah. Sullivan also emphasized the need for more humanitarian aid for Palestinians and steps to ensure the safety of aid workers.
The meeting occurred a day after a member of the Israeli three-man war cabinet, Benny Gantz, threatened to resign from the government if Israel does not adopt a strategic plan for a post-war Gaza by June 8.
In addition, Sullivan arrived in Israel following a meeting with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. The White House stated that those talks “focused on a comprehensive vision for an integrated Middle East region.”
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabian officials indicated that they discussed a “semi-final” version of a security agreement between the two countries.
Bidenaddresses Black voters in Morehouse College, NAACP speeches
President Joe Biden delivered two speeches on Sunday, May 19, focusing on Black voters as he seeks their support in the upcoming election. First, in Atlanta, Biden gave the commencement address at Morehouse College, a historically Black liberal arts college for men.
During his speech, he discussed the war in Gaza and the need for an immediate ceasefire, facing protests from some students who turned their chairs away as he spoke. Biden also addressed racial injustice in the country.
“It’s natural to wonder if democracy you hear about actually works for you,” Biden said. “What is democracy if Black men are being killed in the street? What is democracy if a trail of broken promises still leave Black communities behind? What is democracy if you have to be 10 times better than anyone else to get a fair shot? And most of all, what does it mean, as we’ve heard before, to be a Black man who loves his country even if it doesn’t love him back in equal measure?”
Biden then traveled to Detroit where he spoke at the NAACP “Fight for Freedom Fund” dinner. He highlighted the crucial role their votes played in his election as president.
A recent poll by The Washington Post found that 42% of Black Americans say they will “definitely vote” for Biden. The poll also indicated that certainty among Black voters to participate in this election has decreased to 62 percent from 74 percent four years ago.
Trump trial to resume; former president receives NRA endorsement
Cross-examination will continue for Donald Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen as the ex-president’s criminal trial progresses today in New York.
Prosecutors will have another chance to question their key witness. They are expected to rest their case, alleging that Trump falsified business records, a charge he denies. It remains unclear if the defense will call any witnesses, including Trump. The former president has expressed interest in testifying.
The judge has indicated that closing arguments could start as early as Tuesday, May 21. As Trump prepares to return to the courtroom, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee received an endorsement from the National Rifle Association over the weekend.
Speaking at the NRA’s annual convention in Dallas, Trump urged members to vote in November.
“I don’t know what it is,” Trump said. “Perhaps it’s a form of rebellion because you’re rebellious people, aren’t you? But gun owners don’t vote. What is that all about? If gun owners voted, we would swamp them at levels that nobody’s ever seen before. So I think you’re a rebellious bunch, but let’s be rebellious and vote this time, okay?”
This was the ninth time the former president addressed the group. The NRA also endorsed Trump in 2016 and 2020.
Blue Origin breaks 2 year hiatus, launches 6 passengers to edge of space
Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket successfully launched six passengers to the edge of space on Sunday, May 19, marking the end of a nearly two-year hiatus triggered by a failed test flight. From West Texas, the launch carried venture capitalist Mason Angel and retired U.S. Air Force Captain Ed Dwight.
Former President John F. Kennedy selected Dwight in 1961 as the first Black astronaut candidate. During the NS-25 mission, he set a new record by becoming the oldest person, at 90, to reach the edge of space.
Following a successful uncrewed science mission in December, this launch marked a significant recovery from a 2022 incident where a rocket failed during lift-off due to an engine nozzle issue. Blue Origin has since made design changes to the combustion chamber and nozzle.
Before the 2022 setback, Blue Origin had achieved 22 successful missions, carrying notable passengers like Jeff Bezos and William Shatner.
American Xander Schauffele wins PGA Championship for his first major
5 Marines confirmed dead in California helicopter crash
Five Marines are confirmed dead after their helicopter went down in the mountains of Southern California Tuesday night, Feb. 6. Authorities said the Marines were conducting a routine training flight.
The CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter departed from Creech Air Force Base in Nevada, but failed to make it to the Marine Corps Air Station in Miramar, California. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department said it received a call around 1 a.m. on Wednesday that reported the helicopter as missing.
The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing along with the San Diego Sheriff’s Department and Civil Air Patrol launched a search-and-rescue effort. Due to rainy and snowy conditions, searchers used jeeps and drones to sweep the difficult terrain.
The aircraft was found just after 9 a.m. on Wednesday in Pine Valley, a mountainous area that is roughly 30 miles east of San Diego.
At the time of the crash, the area was under a winter storm warning for elevations 4,000 feet and above, according to The Weather Channel.
The Department of Defense is investigating the crash. The names of the Marines will not be released until 24 hours after next-of-kin has been notified.
President Biden said he and first lady Jill Biden are “heartbroken” over the loss.
“Our service members represent the very best of our nation — and these five Marines were no exception,” Biden said in a statement. “Today, as we mourn this profound loss, we honor their selfless service and ultimate sacrifice — and reaffirm the sacred obligation we bear to all those who wear the uniform and their families.”
This crash comes nearly two months after a U.S. Air Force Osprey helicopter crashed off the coast of Japan in December. All eight crew members on board died.
Fatal Philadelphia news helicopter crash spotlights dangers of chopper reporting
The recent fatal crash of a news helicopter from ABC’s Philadelphia station is putting a spotlight on the dangers news crews face. According to reports, pilot Monroe Smith and photographer Christopher Dougherty were the only two on board when the chopper went down in Washington Township, New Jersey, killing both.
State police discovered the wreckage the early morning of Wednesday, Dec. 20.
The helicopter was a 2013 American Eurocopter AS-350A-STAR, which the station leases from the North Carolina-based company U.S. Helicopters Incorporated.
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation.
“Now what my team and I will be doing is we’re going to be on scene for about the next three days,” Todd Gunther, the NTSB Investigator-in-charge said in a press conference on Thursday, Dec. 21. “We’ll be looking at what we call the ‘man- machine-environmental interface,’ and we’ll be looking at anything that may have affected the accident flight or may have been causal.”
The crash of the Philadelphia news chopper is one of several the NTSB has investigated in just the past couple of decades, with the agency determining various causes for the incidents.
In May 2004, a helicopter with New York’s WNBC station was covering a triple shooting in Brooklyn when it spun out of control and crashed onto the roof of an apartment building. In this case, the pilot and a reporter on board survived but suffered serious injuries.
The NTSB concluded a loss in the chopper’s hydraulic system problem led to the crash.
The NTSB determined the probable cause was both pilots failing to see and avoid one another.
In March 2014, a pilot and a news photographer were killed when moments after their chopper lifted from the roof of a Seattle station, it struck two cars and burst into flames.
The cause was a loss of hydraulic boost to the tail rotor and main rotor controls, according to the NTSB.
In September 2017, a veteran TV reporter at an Albuquerque New Mexico station died after the helicopter he was piloting crashed. The NTSB investigation suggested the pilot may have been distracted during the flight.
The local police chief said the pilot was a hero after witnesses saw him seem to maneuver the plane from crashing into the highway.
According to the NTSB, the pilot was training the meteorologist in a simulated news scene at the time.
The NTSB said it will release a preliminary report on the Philadelphia news helicopter fatal crash within the next 10 days, with a final report coming around 18 months later.
The U.S. is mourning the loss of five Army Special Operation troops who were killed in a helicopter crash in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea over the weekend. According to the U.S. European Command, the five soldiers were killed when their MH-60 helicopter went down “during a routine air refueling mission as part of military training.”
The Pentagon announced that the cause of the crash late Friday, Nov. 10, is under investigation, but there is no indication that it was the result of “hostile activity.” Search and rescue teams were dispatched and worked into Saturday, Nov. 11, before being called off.
The Special Operations crew was in the area to assist if needed with American evacuations amid the Israel-Hamas war, according to officials familiar with the situation.
“They [service members] willingly take risks to keep the American people safe and secure. And their daily bravery and selflessness is an enduring testament to what is best in our nation,” Biden said. “Jill and I are praying for the families and friends who have lost a precious loved one—a piece of their soul. Our entire nation shares their grief.”
The Pentagon released the names of the five service members on Monday, Nov. 13:
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen R. Dwyer, 38 of Clarksville, Tennessee
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane M. Barnes, 34, of Sacramento, California
Staff Sgt. Tanner W. Grone, 26, of Gorham, New Hampshire
Sgt. Andrew P. Southard, 27, of Apache Junction, Arizona
Sgt. Cade M. Wolfe, 24, of Mankato, Minnesota.
“While we continue to gather more information about this deadly crash, it is another stark reminder that the brave men and women who defend our great nation put their lives on the line each and every day to keep our country safe,” U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement.
3 US Marines die in Australia helicopter crash; 8 still in hospital
Eight of the 20 United States Marines who survived a helicopter crash that killed three in Australia on Sunday, Aug. 27 were still in the hospital as of early Monday morning, Aug. 28, Australian officials said. The first five to arrive at the hospital were in critical condition, but their current conditions have not been released.
“We are unable to comment on the conditions of those that remain in hospital out of respect to them and to their families,” Natasha Fyles, the chief minister of Australia’s Northern Territory, said Monday. “But what I can assure their families is that they are getting the best care possible and we are working to ensure that they are supported.”
The 23 were aboard a Marine V-22 Osprey when it crashed at 9:30 a.m. Sunday during a multinational training exercise. The Osprey was one of two that flew as part of Exercise Predators Run. The exercise involved the militaries of the following countries:
The United States
Australia
Indonesia
The Philippines
East Timor
“I think for all of those who are involved, it will bring home the risks that there are in engaging in defense exercises,” Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles, who also released a statement on the incident, said Sunday. “But in articulating those risks, I’d also really want to be making clear just how important these exercises are in making sure that our defense forces are match fit, but also demonstrating the capabilities that we have in working closely with each other. And there is a deterrent effect associated with that, which is really important as well.”
All 23 Marines aboard the helicopter at the time of the crash were temporarily based in Darwin, Australia as part of the Marine Corps’ annual troop rotation. Around 150 U.S. Marines are currently based in Darwin and up to 2,500 rotate through the city every year.
Tropical Storm Idalia heads for Florida: The Morning Rundown Aug. 28, 2023
Florida residents braced for Tropical Storm Idalia as it develops into a potential hurricane, and paper straws may not be the better option over plastic after all. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Monday, Aug. 28.
Tropical Storm Idalia expected to hit Florida as hurricane
Florida residents have begun bracing for impact as Tropical Storm Idalia barrels its way toward the Gulf Coast. The storm is projected to make landfall as a hurricane anywhere between Tampa and Panama City Tuesday night, Aug. 29 into Wednesday morning, Aug. 30.
“The Gulf is very, very warm. And so that will provide some fuel for this thing to pick up some more speed,” Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) said Sunday, Aug. 27. “In terms of resources, we have mobilized 1,100 National Guardsmen and they have at their disposal 2,400 high water vehicles, as well as 12 aircraft that can be used for rescue and recovery efforts.”
Forecasters projected that because of the record-warm Gulf of Mexico, the storm system has the potential to upgrade into a Category 2 hurricane. Gov. Desantis warned flooding and loss of electricity are two major threats to residents in the storm’s pathway.
Residents in Florida have begun tying down large objects in their yards, filling up sandbags, and stocking up water and food.
Storms given names that begin with the letter “I,” like Idalia, often coincide with the peak of hurricane season. Parts of Florida are still recovering from 2022’s Hurricane Ian.
Vigil held for Jacksonville mass shooting victims
A vigil was held Sunday, Aug. 27, to remember three victims who were killed at a Dollar General store in Jacksonville the day before.
Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said the shooting was racially motivated. All three victims were Black, and the shooter was a 21-year-old white male.
According to authorities, the suspect, Ryan Christopher Palmeter, shot himself when cornered by law enforcement. They say he left behind several manifestos detailing his hatred for Black people.
“One to his parents, one to the media, one to federal agents,” Waters said. “Portions of these manifestos detail the shooter’s disgusting ideology of hate. Plainly put, this shooting was racially motivated and he hated Black people.”
Officials said Palmeter had tried to enter nearby Edwards Waters University, a historically Black college, but was turned away by a security guard. The suspect had purchased his guns legally and had no criminal history.
According to authorities, Palmeter was involuntarily committed for a 72-hour mental health examination in 2017. The Justice Department said it is investigating the shooting as a hate crime.
Marines killed in helicopter crash during training exercise
Three U.S. Marines died in a military helicopter training exercise in Australia on Aug. 27. Five others remain in serious condition after the Osprey aircraft carrying 23 Marines went down.
According to officials on the ground, the pilot had radioed in an emergency just moments before the helicopter crashed on a remote island in northern Australia Sunday morning. The Osprey was one of two taking part in a 12-day international exercise involving troops from five countries.
Investigators say the cause of the crash is still under investigation.
In 2022, nine Marines died in two separate crashes involving the same style of Osprey aircraft. Another military aircraft crashed near San Diego last week, killing the pilot on board.
Commerce secretary begins 4-day trip to China
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo is in China, where she is meeting with government and business leaders in Beijing and Shanghai over a 4-day trip. Speaking with the Chinese Commerce Minister on Aug. 28, Raimondo said it is important the two countries have a stable economic relationship.
Raimondo said her goals include boosting post-pandemic travel between the two countries and strengthening their commercial relations. Those relations have been strained recently by U.S. restrictions over Chinese technology, including export controls over Chinese semiconductors.
Raimondo told her Chinese counterpart she would not compromise or negotiate on any matters related to national security. This is the first time a U.S. commerce secretary has traveled to China in seven years. It’s also one of several recent high-profile visits between U.S. and Chinese leaders.
Study: Paper straws contain forever chemicals
Paper straws are often used in place of plastic ones in the name of being eco-friendly. But according to a new study, that may not be the case.
According to the authors of the European study, paper straws may contain what are called forever chemicals, or PFAS, that can be harmful to both humans and the environment. Ninety-percent of paper straws examined by researchers contained the dangerous chemicals.
That’s higher than the 75% of plastic straws tested which also came up contaminated. Straws made up of steel were the only type found without the chemicals present.
Animal rights group pays tribute to Bob Barker
Fans of the game show “The Price is Right” began the week remembering its longtime host Bob Barker, who passed away on Saturday, Aug. 26 at the age of 99. Animal rights advocates paid tribute, with Barker known for speaking up for the cause.
He famously told viewers at the end of each episode to “help control the pet population – have your pet spayed or neutered.” The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, which Barker had donated $5 million to over a decade ago, sounded a ship’s horn over the weekend in his honor.
Sea Shepherd used Barker’s money to purchase a ship in 2009 as part of its anti-whaling campaign. They named the ship The Bob Barker.