PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) - Sailors in the air department aboard USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) recovered their first Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey July 28 while the ship was in transit to Seattle.

A Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, Bonhomme Richard's primary mission is to provide transport and logistical support to the Marines Corps. A tilt-rotor aircraft that combines the vertical flight capabilities of a helicopter with the speed and range of an airplane, the Osprey's primary use is for troop transport, as well as expeditionary assault, raid operations, cargo lift and special warfare.

Capt. Jonathan Harnden, Bonhomme Richard's commanding officer said he is excited about having Marines aboard to join them in upcoming missions.

"This is an impressive aircraft that brings a new level of capability to this ship. But, what impressed me most was how well our flight crew did in operating with it for the first time," said Harnden. "In fact, the Osprey is one of the first aircraft we have handled since the recent end of a long maintenance period. The aircraft will be with us all the way through Seattle Seafair, and I know the MV-22 will be a big hit there."

Bonhomme Richard recently received its air operations certification after completing an extensive maintenance period in dry dock. The ship is scheduled to return to San Diego following its appearance at the 62nd annual Seattle Seafair.

For more news from USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd6/.