Ospreys on the move

The two US Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys (VEGAS63 and VEGAS64), accompanied by KC-130J OTIS92, departed this morning from Souda Bay Air Base, Crete, before setting course southeast across the Mediterranean.

After an initial segment that suggested a possible route toward Libya, the formation adjusted its track toward Egypt, a direction often used for longer ferry flights connecting the Mediterranean to the Arabian Peninsula.

Given the presence of the KC-130J tanker, the mission appears to be a long-range repositioning rather than a local training activity. This raises the possibility that the aircraft may be continuing farther east, potentially toward Saudi Arabia or another location in the Gulf region where US forces maintain a steady operational presence.

Yet another demonstration of how the United States would face significant logistical and strategic difficulties without the support of the bases located in Europe — especially when it comes to operations in the Middle East and the Gulf region.