[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 4]
[House]
[Page 5417]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                      TRAGIC LOSS OF U.S. MARINES

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, this past Saturday 
evening, we suffered a tragic loss in America when a Marine Corps V-22 
Osprey crashed in a test mode and killed all 19 Marines on board the 
aircraft, a tragic loss of life.
  All America has joined with the Commandant of the Marine Corps, 
General Jones; the leaders in the Pentagon; and the President in 
mourning the loss of these brave Americans.
  This tragic incident is now under full investigation. Today I 
arranged for a full briefing for our colleagues where the Marine Corps 
presented a full up-to-date assessment as to what has taken place, what 
facts we know about the incident, and what initial thoughts are 
occurring in terms of what caused the accident.
  It is obviously too early to tell, but we expect that within a few 
weeks we will know the basis upon which a decision can be made about 
the cause of this terribly tragic accident.
  But, Madam Speaker, before we even removed all of the remains of 
these brave Marines, we have political opportunists around the country 
taking shots at the program and making wild and outlandish statements.
  One such person, Madam Speaker, is a former Reagan Republican 
officeholder who served as Assistant Secretary of Defense by the name 
of Lawrence Korb. Mr. Korb wrote an op-ed in The New York Times on 
April 11 that is filled with misinformation factually incorrect, is a 
disservice to the Marine Corps, and to all brave Americans who wear the 
colors of this Nation.
  He is the defense equivalent of an ambulance chaser. Before the 
investigation has even begun, he is trashing what General Jones calls 
the number-one priority of the Marine Corps, a capability to replace an 
aircraft, the CH-46 helicopter, that is 50 years old, was built for the 
Vietnam War, and which is suffering severe problems because of its age 
and because of its extended use well beyond the original life 
expectancy of the program.
  In his article, Mr. Korb makes some gross statements that really are 
a disservice to the Corps and to all brave Marines serving this 
country. He says that this program was objected to by all senior 
officials from the Reagan, Bush, and Clinton administrations. That is 
absolutely incorrect. In fact, it was former Navy Secretary John Dalton 
would led the fight to keep the V-22 Osprey program alive for the 
Marine Corps and eventually all of our services.
  He says in an article that these aircraft cost $80 million each. 
When, if he would have checked his facts, he would have found that the 
cost is closer to $40 million per copy and would be lower if we were 
buying an adequate buy of these aircraft as opposed to having them 
stretched out at a very low-rate buy. He assesses that Congress only 
supported the saving of this program because of the jobs that would be 
retained in America.
  Well, I would say to Mr. Korb, either get his facts straight or keep 
his mouth shut. In fact, it was General Al Gray, the Commandant of the 
Marine Corps, who testified before Congress that he would never subject 
his warriors to what the opponents of the V-22 called a dual-sling 
option.
  They said we will bolt two helicopters together and we will ask 
Marines to fly in those two helicopters to achieve the medium range 
over the rising capability that the V-22 offers.
  Madam Speaker, the kind of rhetoric coming from people like Lawrence 
Korb is really a disgrace to the American service person and Mr. Korb 
ought to be ashamed of himself.
  What we now need is, first of all, to mourn these families of these 
brave Marines. We need to let them know that we are going to do 
everything possible to take care of them and their loved ones and we 
are going to get to the bottom of what caused this incident. We will 
overturn every stone and we will use every bit of capability that we 
have to find out the cause of this terribly tragic accident. And we 
will relay this information to the families first, to Members of 
Congress, and then to the American public.
  And then once we have all that data, we will make a decision, we will 
make a decision based upon information and facts, not rhetoric to allow 
some columnist to score political points in the New York Times.
  Madam Speaker, for the Record, I insert the following news release of 
the Marine Corps dated April 9; the statement of General Fred McCorkle, 
Deputy Chief of Staff for Aviation for the Marine Corps, dated April 
11; and an updated information packet on the mishap, dated April 11 so 
that the American people can see the real facts of what occurred here 
as opposed to listening to incompetent people like Lawrence Korb.

            [News Release, U.S. Marine Corps, April 9, 2000]

                       MV-22 Mishap Investigation

       Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington, DC.--The Marine 
     Corps is sending an aircraft mishap investigation team, 
     headed by Colonel Dennis Bartels of Headquarters, Marine 
     Corps, to Marana, AZ to determine the cause of Saturday 
     night's crash of an MV-22 Osprey that took the lives of all 
     19 Marines aboard.
       ``The entire Marine Corps family grieves for the Marines 
     we've lost in this tragedy and our thoughts and prayers go 
     out to their families,'' said Gen. James Jones, Commandant of 
     the Marine Corps. ``We have sent an expert team to Arizona to 
     quickly investigate the circumstances surrounding this 
     mishap.''
       Secretary of the Navy Richard Danzig today released the 
     following statement, ``Evaluating new equipment and training 
     for war, like war itself, puts life at risk. In peace and 
     war, Marines accept that risk--it is a bond between us. In 
     that spirit, we grieve today for our nineteen lost Marines 
     and embrace their families.''
       The MV-22 was conducting a training mission in support of 
     Operational Evaluation (OPEVAL) when it went down near 
     Marana, AZ. During the mission, the crew and Marines 
     conducted Non-combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO) exercises 
     as part of the Weapons and Tactics Instructor course, with 
     Marines embarking and disembarking the aircraft. The mission 
     was conducted at night utilizing night vision goggles (NVGs) 
     and forward-looking infrared radar (FLIR) to enhance night 
     operational capability.
       Operational Evaluation is a test phase to determine the 
     operational suitability of the aircraft for the Marine Corps. 
     It began in October 1999 and is scheduled to conclude in June 
     2000.
       To date, the four Ospreys involved in Operational 
     Evaluation have completed more than 800 flight hours. During 
     March, the OPEVAL aircraft flew nearly 140 flight hours, an 
     average of 35 hours per aircraft.
       The mishap aircraft was part of the Multi-service 
     Operational Test Team, based at Patuxent River, MD, but was 
     temporarily attached to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics 
     Squadron-1 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, AZ.
       The names of the deceased are being withheld pending 
     notification of next of kin.
                                  ____


            [News Release, U.S. Marine Corps, April 9, 2000]

                   Names of Accident Victims Released

       Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington, DC.--Marine Corps 
     officials are expressing condolences to the families of 19 
     Marines killed approximately 8 p.m. last night when an MV-22 
     Osprey crashed near Marana, Ariz.
       Killed in the accident were:
       Sgt. Jose Alvarez, 28, a machinegunner assigned to 3d 
     Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, of 
     Uvalde, Texas.
       Maj. John A. Brow, 39, a pilot assigned to Marine 
     Helicopter Squadron-1, of California, Md.
       PFC Gabriel C. Clevenger, 21, a machinegunner assigned to 
     3d Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, of 
     Picher, Okla.
       PFC Alfred Corona, 23, a machinegunner assigned to 3d 
     Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, of San 
     Antonio, Texas.
       Lance Corporal Jason T. Duke, 28, a machinegunner assigned 
     to 3d Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, of 
     Sacramento, Calif.
       Lance Corporal Jesus Gonzales Sanchez, 27, an assaultman 
     assigned to 3d Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine 
     Division, of San Diego, Calif.
       Maj. Brooks S. Gruber, 34, a pilot assigned to Marine 
     Helicopter Squadron-1, of Jacksonville, NC.
       Lance Corporal Seth G. Jones, 18, an assaultman assigned to 
     3d Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, of 
     Bend, Ore.
       2nd Lieutenant Clayton J. Kennedy, 24, a platoon commander 
     assigned to 3d Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine 
     Division, of Clifton Bosque, Texas.
       Cpl. Kelly S. Keith, 22, aircraft crew chief assigned to 
     Marine Helicopter Squadron-1, of Florence, SC.
       Cpl. Eric J. Martinez, 21, a field radio operator assigned 
     to Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38, Marine Air Control 
     Group 38, of Coconino, Ariz.
       Lance Corporal Jorge A. Morin, 21, an assaultman assigned 
     to 3d Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, of 
     McAllen, Texas.
       Corporal Adam C. Neely, 22, a rifleman assigned to 3d 
     Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, of 
     Winthrop, Wash.
       Staff Sgt. William B. Nelson, 30, a satellite 
     communications specialist with Marine Air Control Group-38, 
     of Richmond, Va.
       PFC Kenneth O. Paddio, 23, a rifleman assigned to 3d 
     Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, of 
     Houston, Texas.
       PFC George P. Santos, 19, a rifleman assigned to 3d 
     Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, of Long 
     Beach, Calif.
       PFC Keoki P. Santos, 24, a rifleman assigned to 3d 
     Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, of Grand 
     Ronde, Ore.
       Corporal Can Soler, 21, a rifleman assigned to 3d 
     Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, of Palm 
     City, Fla.
       Pvt. Adam L. Tatro, 19, a rifleman assigned to 3d 
     Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, of 
     Brownwood, Texas.
       ``The entire Marine Corps family grieves for the Marines 
     we've lost in this tragedy and our thoughts and prayers go 
     out to their families,'' said Gen. James Jones, Commandant of 
     the Marine Corps. ``We have sent an expert team to Arizona to 
     quickly investigate the circumstances surrounding this 
     mishap.''
       Secretary of the Navy Richard Danzig today released the 
     following statement, ``Evaluating new equipment and training 
     for war, like war itself, puts life at risk. In peace and 
     war, Marines accept that risk--it is a bond between us. In 
     that spirit, we grieve today for our nineteen lost Marines 
     and embrace their families.''
       The MV-22 was conducting a training mission in support of 
     Operational Evaluation (OPEVAL) when it went down near 
     Marana, Ariz. During the mission, the crew and Marines 
     conducted Non-combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) exercises 
     as part of the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course, with 
     Marines embarking and disembarking the aircraft. The mission 
     was conducted at night utilizing night vision goggles and 
     forward-looking infrared radar to enhance night operational 
     capability.
       Operational Evaluation is a test phase to determine the 
     operational suitability of the aircraft for the Marine Corps. 
     It began in October 1999 and is scheduled to conclude in June 
     2000.
       To date, the four Ospreys involved in Operational 
     Evaluation have completed more than 800 flight hours. During 
     March, the OPEVAL aircraft flew nearly 140 flight hours, an 
     average of 35 hours per aircraft.
       The mishap aircraft was part of the Multi-service 
     Operational Test Team, based at Patuxent River, Md., but was 
     temporarily attached to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics 
     Squadron-1 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz.
                                  ____


Prepared Statement on MV-22 Mishap by LtGen Fred McCorkle, Headquarters 
                     Marine Corps (April 11, 2000)

       First and foremost, I would like to say that our thoughts 
     and prayers are with the families of our Marines who were 
     tragically taken from us Saturday night. Obviously, there are 
     no words that can express our sadness and sense of loss in 
     this situation. Our Marine Corps is a tight-knit family, and 
     each of us feels the loss of these Marines. We are with the 
     families now and we will continue to assist them in the 
     difficult days ahead. Our number one concern at this time is 
     their well-being.
       While the mishap is currently under investigation, there 
     are some things I would like to relay to you and then I will 
     answer whatever questions I can.
       The Commandant has sent Col Dennis Bartels from our staff 
     to lead the expert investigation team. I spoke with Col 
     Bartels last night and he has assured me that the 
     investigation is well underway. There is, however, no 
     determination at this time as to the cause of the mishap. Let 
     me emphatically state that we are committed to finding the 
     truth. One thing I want to clarify from my comments 
     yesterday, the incident was observed on an F/A-18 FLIR but it 
     was not videotaped.
       The aircraft was the second in a flight of two aircraft 
     conducting a simulated evacuation operation. It was one of 
     four MV-22s participating in this exercise to support 
     Operational Evaluations (OpEval). OpEval is a DOD requirement 
     specifically designed to validate an aircraft's operational 
     capability to support USMC missions. It requires flights in 
     operational configurations to include flights with embarked 
     troops.
       Our most precious asset is our Marines and their welfare is 
     the primary concern of all Marines in leadership positions. 
     Numerous senior service members and members of Congress have 
     flown in the aircraft. I have flown the aircraft and believe 
     it to be safe. It is important to stress that the MV-22 is 
     not an experimental test aircraft. The MV-22 is a proven 
     technology. The Osprey has already completed extensive flight 
     testing that included:
       Almost 1200 flight hours of Full Scale Development (1-6), 
     and
       1600 flight hours of Engineering/Manufacturing Development 
     (7-10).
       The mishap aircraft was one of five production aircraft 
     delivered to the Marine Corps for operational use. The four 
     aircraft participating in OpEval, all delivered in the past 
     11 months, have accumulated over 840 flight hours conducting 
     operational flights in support of OpEval. This particular 
     aircraft was delivered to the Marine Corps in January of this 
     year and had been flown over 135 hours to date. The total 
     amount of flight time accumulated by MV-22s to date is over 
     3600 hours.
       The two pilots flying the aircraft were very experienced, 
     veteran pilots from Marine Helicopter Squadron One. One had 
     nearly 3800 hours and the other had over 2100 hours. Both 
     pilots were approaching 100 hours of flight time in the MV-22 
     and had over 100 MV-22 simulator hours. Additionally, the 
     aircraft was crewed by two of our very finest enlisted 
     Marines.
       The aircraft is equipped with a Crash Survivable Memory 
     Unit (CSMU) that records 227 separate aircraft parameters 
     that should provide invaluable insight into the cause of this 
     mishap. These parameters include aircraft performance data 
     (airspeed, altitude, heading, etc), engine performance data 
     and information on any potential system malfunctions 
     indicated. Efforts to retrieve this component from the 
     aircraft are ongoing.
       We are distributing a photo of the Marana Northwest 
     Regional Airport that depicts the intended point of landing 
     for the flight of the two aircraft involved. This package 
     also contains a data sheet and information relating to the 
     exercise being conducted.
       Throughout this tragic and challenging time, we have been 
     supported by a number of local law enforcement agencies, fire 
     departments and National Guard and reserve units in Arizona. 
     The American Red Cross continues to provide support on the 
     scene. We truly appreciate their superb support in these 
     efforts to take care of our Marines.
       Our work as Marines comes with some danger and risks, but 
     we strive to do everything we can to minimize those risks. As 
     Secretary Danzig so aptly stated Sunday, ``Evaluating new 
     equipment and training for war, like war itself, puts life at 
     risk. In peace and war, Marines accept that risk--it is a 
     bond between us. In that spirit we grieve today for our lost 
     Marines.''
       Finally, I would like to conclude by again saying that our 
     thoughts and prayers are with the families of our fallen 
     Marines. We are taking care of the families now and will 
     continue to assist them in every way possible in the 
     difficult days ahead. I will now answer what questions I can 
     at this point.
                                  ____


                        MV-22 Mishap Information

       The MV-22 mishap occurred approximately 8 p.m. Saturday 
     night 8 April when a MV-22 Osprey crashed near Tucson, 
     Arizona. The MV-22 was conducting a training mission in 
     support of Operational Evaluation (OPEVAL). Aircraft was 
     second aircraft in two ship flight inbound Marana Northwest 
     Regional Airport (encl 1) about 15 miles NW of Tucson, 
     Arizona. The landing site was a hard surface concrete pad 
     area, free of obstacles and parallel to a 6,900' runway. 
     Safety personnel had conducted a safety site survey and a 
     daytime landing there to ensure suitability.
       This mishap aircraft was part of the Multi-service 
     Operational Test Team (MOTT), based at Patuxent River, Md., 
     but was temporarily attached to Marine Aviation Weapons and 
     Tactics Squadron-1 (MAWTS-1) at Marine Corps Air station 
     Yuma, Ariz. OPEVAL commenced in November 1999 with planned 
     completion data of June 2000. OPEVAL is being conducted by 
     the MOTT under the auspices of Commanding Officer, HMX-1, the 
     Marine Corps' aviation OPEVAL agency. In this capacity, CO, 
     HMX-1 reports to Commander Operational Test and Evaluation 
     Force. OPEVAL determines aircraft effectiveness and 
     suitability and must be conducted to the maximum extent 
     possible under the most realistic conditions (DOD 5000.2).
       During the mission, the crew and Marines conducted Non-
     combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO) exercises as part of 
     the Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) Course, with Marines 
     embarking and disembarking the aircraft. The mission profile 
     called for the utilization of the latest version of Night 
     Vision Goggles, (ANVIS-9) and Forward-Looking Infrared Radar 
     to enhance night operational capability. Flight was 
     undertaken in good weather conditions with 17 percent 
     illumination. The flight also served as a training vehicle 
     for the MAWTS current WTI course designated as Assault 
     Support Mission 3 (encl 2). Non-aircrew personnel aboard were 
     part of the Evacuation Control Center for the simulated NEO.
       The mishap aircraft was not an experimental aircraft. The 
     aircraft was the fourth of five production aircraft delivered 
     to the Marine Corps. Formal developmental testing of the MV-
     22 was conducted on the Full Scale Development aircraft 
     (aircraft 1-6) flying 1184 flt hrs and the Engineering and 
     Manufacturing Development aircraft (aircraft 7-10) flying 
     1600 flt hrs. The mishap aircraft was a Low Rate Initial 
     Production aircraft (aircraft 11-15). The LRIP aircraft have 
     flown a total of 840 flt hrs conducting operational/mission 
     training and evaluation. The MV-22 fleet have flown a total 
     of 3624 flt hrs. The mishap aircraft had flown 135.5 flight 
     hrs since it was delivered to the Marine Corps on 17 Jan 00.
       The two previous MV-22 testing mishaps demonstrated the 
     risks inherent in any flight test development program, but 
     the mishap causes were not unique to ``tiltrotor 
     technology.'' The last mishap was in July 1992. The 
     identified design deficiencies were corrected and 
     incorporated in all production aircraft. The MV-22 fleet has 
     flown over 2400 hours (2/3 of all hours) since the last 
     mishap in 1992.
       A complete Aviation Mishap Board (AMB) has been convened in 
     Tucson under in accordance with OPNAVINST 3750 under the 
     direction of Col Dennis Bartels from Dept of Avn, HQMC. Team 
     is being supported by joint agencies and the entire Naval 
     Aviation establishment.
       Although MV-22s have not been grounded by Commander Naval 
     Air Systems Command, operations have been suspended in order 
     to evaluate the current situation and determine the most 
     appropriate course of action and safe flight operations.


      REMAINS--8 Remains had been recovered by 1500, 11 April 2000

       --The recovery of remains will be done as quickly as 
     possible given the circumstances and requirements to properly 
     identify the Marines and preserve evidence at the crash site.
       --15 Aviation Mishap Board personnel on scene.
       --15 Naval Aviation Center Personnel on scene.
       --Human Resources Personnel from Davis-Monthan.
       --Counselors on site to assist.
       --HMX-1 Flight Surgeon on site.
       --Marine Reserve Unit providing security (6th Eng Spt BN 
     Det A Bulk Fuel).
       --Locals have constructed a memorial with flowers.
       --There are two Armed Forces Medical Examiners on site.
       --10 Trained mortuary affairs personnel from the U.S. Air 
     Force and Armed Forces Institute of Pathology arrived from 
     Washington, DC, Monday.
       --Recovery efforts began 0800 this morning.
       --Once remains have been properly removed, they will be 
     transferred to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base for shipment to 
     Dover Air Force Base, Delaware.
       --Dover serves as the Port Mortuary for all Services.
       --At Dover, the remains will be met by Marines from the 
     Marine Barracks Washington, DC.
       --After the remains have been identified, they will be 
     assigned an escort (either someone from the Marines' unit or 
     someone designated by the family).
       --Memorial services will be held at NAS Patuxent River, MD 
     next week and Camp Pendleton on Monday 17th. Exact times and 
     dates are being coordinated.
       --MCAS New River has tentatively scheduled a memorial for 
     the four aircrew at 1400 this Friday.
       --If DNA analysis is required, a sample will be taken from 
     the remains at Dover and testing will be done at Rockville, 
     Maryland Institute of Pathology.
       --All Marines on board are entitled to be buried at 
     Arlington National Cemetery if the family so desires.
                                  ____


                 MAWTS-1--Assault Support Tactics Three

       Assault Support Tactics Three (AST III) is a long range 
     (180 NM radius) multiple site Noncombatant Evacuation 
     Operation (NEO) conducted at night (on NVGs) in the Phoenix 
     and Tucson Arizona areas. A ``real world'' scenario forms the 
     two day evolution which is the culmination of the AST Common 
     flight phase of the Weapons and Tactics Instructors (WTI 
     Course) taught at Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics 
     Squadron One. Additionally, the NEO completes the WTI 
     course's Military Operations in an Urban Terrain (MOUT) 
     package introduced earlier during the Common academics phase.
       This particular WTI mission requires a sizeable airborne 
     package consisting of mostly helicopters. Specific numbers 
     for WTI 2-00 are; (7) CH-46Es, (5) CH-53Es, (2) CH-53Ds, (5) 
     AH-1Ws, 1 UH-1N, (3) FA-18Ds, (4) MV-22s, (3) KC-130s for a 
     total of 30 aircraft supporting the NEO. Besides the aircraft 
     required to support the mission a Forward Operating Base 
     (FOB) is established at Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary 
     Airfield. The FOB is guarded by Stinger Teams, facilitates a 
     Marine Air Traffic Control Mobile Team (MMT), a MWCS 
     Communications Detachment using high power HF, VHF SINGARS, 
     and SATCOM. A Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) is 
     also established at the FOB employing KC-130's Rapid Ground 
     Refueling (RGR) systems. The Tactical Bulk Fuel Dispensing 
     System (TBFDS) is also employed on a CH-53E at a separate 
     austere site to refuel the AH-1Ws and UH-1N.
       During the execution, three separate task forces pull 
     evacuees from three different sites located in Phoenix and 
     Tucson. The American citizens once evacuated and repositioned 
     at the FOB where a complete Evacuation Control Center (ECC) 
     completes the processing. Once processing is complete, the 
     KC-130s lift the evacuees back to Yuma, AZ. MAWTS-1 staff 
     members make up the Forward Command Element (FCE). An 
     infantry company that supports WTI make up the security 
     elements and man the ECC at the FOB's consolidation site. 
     Additional Marines dressed in civilian attire make up the 
     noncombatants--totaling up to eighty evacuees. As the mission 
     progresses, all information is relayed through the 
     established command and control system including a Direct Air 
     Support Center (DASC) and DASC(A), an Assault Support 
     Coordinator Airborne (ASC(A)) assists in control of the 
     mission while `real time' information is fed back to the 
     Tactical Air Command Center (TACC). Situational awareness is 
     maintained in the TAC--nearly two hundred miles from the 
     further site!
       The NEO training received at MAWTS-1, during the WTI 
     course, is critical since no where else in the FMF are NEOs 
     practiced to such an extent and magnitude--except during a 
     real contingency.

                   CMC Mishap Update for 11 Apr 2000


                                Aviation

       --Recovery of remains started 0800 this morning
       --Ten bodies recovered as of 1500 11 April
       --Should get at least 4 more today
       --Crew chief identified by equipment and uniform
       --Expect to be complete by 12 April
       --Remains to be flown from Davis-Monthan AFB to Dover
       --Autopsies and DNA sampling to commence upon return to 
     East Coast
       --All Aircraft Mishap Board members and augmentees on site 
     at Marana, AZ
       --Armed Forces Institute of Pathology--12 personnel
          2 Medical Examiners
          10 Mortuary Affairs personnel
       --JAG Manual investigators (LtCol Morgan and LtCol (Sel) 
     Radich) from Quantico on scene 11 April
       --MOTT (85 Pax) to be transported by C-9 from MCAS Yuma to 
     Pax River Wednesday; C-130 to return team from memorial 
     service at New River to Yuman on Saturday, Pending aircraft 
     status, original test plan called for OPEVAL to resume at 
     China Lake on Sunday
       --Aircraft presently cleared for ground turns and taxiing 
     as of 11 April


                          legislative affairs

       --Briefing requested by Rep. Curt Weldon (R, PA 7th Dist.) 
     and others by LtGen. McCorkle set for 1000, 12 April
       --Offer made by OLA to Senate side for similar briefing in 
     PM on 12 April if desired


                             public affairs

       --Have received over 1000 media inquiries since the mishap
       --LtGen. McCorkle's preliminary press conference 1630 on 10 
     April
       --LtGen. McCorkle gave statement and answered reporters 
     questions at DOD nationally televised press conference at 
     1330 on 11 April
       --Daily briefings at 1430 at the crash site with Maj. Dave 
     Anderson
       --Once barriers erected at crash site, most press departed
                                  ____


                       V-22 ``Osprey'' Key Facts

       The V-22 OSPREY is a joint service, multi-mission, 
     vertical/short take-off and landing tiltrotor aircraft. It 
     performs a wide range of VTOL missions as effective as a 
     conventional helicopter while achieving the long-range cruise 
     efficiencies of a twin turboprop aircraft. The MV-22 will be 
     the Marine Corps' medium lift aircraft, replacing the aging 
     fleet of CH-46 and CH-53D helicopters. The Air Force variant, 
     the CV-22, will replace the MH-53J and MH-60G and augment the 
     MC-130 fleet in the USSOCOM Special Operations mission. The 
     V-22, which is jointly produced by Bell Helicopter Textron 
     and the Boeing Company, is the world's first production 
     tiltrotor aircraft.


                         features and benefits

        Incorporates mature, but advanced technologies in 
     composite materials, survivability, airfoil design, fly-by-
     wire controls, digital cockpit and manufacturing.
        Has two 38-foot diameter ``prop-rotors.'' Engine/
     transmission nacelles mounted on the end of each wing rotate 
     through 95 degrees. Combines vertical takeoff and landing of 
     a helicopter with the long range, high speed and efficiency 
     of a turboprop airplane.
        This unique aircraft transitions from the 
     helicopter flying mode to a fixed wing flying mode in less 
     than 20 seconds.
        Speed, range, and payload expand capabilities 
     beyond the limits of helicopter technology.
        Self deployable worldwide, ferry range of 2,100 NM 
     with one aerial refueling.
        Can fly at speeds from hover to 300 knots, cruises 
     at 250 knots.
        Increased speed, maneuverability and reduced 
     vulnerability make it much more survivable in combat than the 
     helicopters it is replacing.
        Carries up to 24 fully combat loaded Marines 
     internally or 10,000 pounds externally.
        Performs missions relevant to post Cold War era:
       Amphibious landing
       Noncombatant evacuation
       Tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel
       Humanitarian relief
       Transporting troops into combat
       Long-range special operations night/all weather
       Provides all the above faster from further distances with 
     more survivability than a helicopter


                                schedule

        Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron (VMMT-
     204) designated June 1999
        Initial operational capability for the Marine 
     Corps--2001
        First USMC fleet squadron scheduled deployment--
     2003
        USAF Initial operational capability--2004
        Service buys: Marine Corps 360 MV-22s, Air Force 
     50 CV-22s, Navy 48 HV-22s

                          ____________________

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