Adjustment in VMM squadron force levels
Related to FY2022 Marine Corps Aviation Plan (MCAP) regarding a change in the number of F-35 Lightning II fighters planned for some Marine Fighter Attack squadrons, Marine Corps Commandant David H. Berger also announced adjustments in the force levels of the Marine Medium Tiltrotor (VMM) squadrons operating the MV-22B Osprey assault transport aircraft.
Originally, the USMC planned to divest three VMM squadrons from the active component, which would have resulted in a total of fourteen squadrons of twelve Ospreys each, including the two Reserve squadrons.
According to Berger "detailed analysis demonstrated that sixteen squadrons of ten aircraft each better satisfies joint force requirements and better supports service needs to organise, train and equip. In particular, this force structure simplifies the formation of a Marine Expeditionary Unit’s (MEU) Aviation Combat Element (ACE)." A squadron size of ten MV-22Bs would give the USMC the flexibility to add more F-35B Lightning II strike fighters to the ACE.
The Marine Corps has cut or is cutting four MV-22B squadrons. The stand-up of VMM-212 was canceled in FY2019. VMM-264 and VMM-166 were deactivated in FY2020 and 2021, respectively. VMM-164 will be deactivated in FY2022. The remaining force will include fourteen active-component fleet VMM squadrons, one active-component VMMT fleet replacement squadron (VMMT-204) and two reserve-component VMM squadrons (VMM-764 and VMM-774). It has not been reported which two squadrons will be added.
Commandant Berger also mentioned that an experiment in active-reserve integration of a reserve VMM squadron will be started. In FY 2023 the USMC will perform an Active Component/Reserve Component integration proof of concept in 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) by incorporating VMM-774 into an Active Component Marine Aircraft Group.
The Air Order of Battle of the MV-22B Osprey fleet is divided in four Marine Aircraft Wings (MAW) and seven Marine Aircraft Groups (MAG):
Photo by Hans van Herk