U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 concluded their deployment with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin by executing a 6,100 mile transpacific flight from Australia to Hawaii, September 13-18, 2022. The occasion marks the second time this year that MV-22 Ospreys from Marine Aircraft Group 24 successfully completed long-range maritime self-deployments. Earlier this year, VMM-363 executed a similar mission, flying approximately 5,000 miles from Hawaii to the Philippines for Exercise Balikatan 22.

The monumental journey began in Darwin on September 13 as two VMM-268 MV-22s and one KC-130J from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 departed for Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley. Over the next several days, the Marines would land in Fiji, American Samoa, and the Republic of Kiribati before completing the final leg to Marine Corps Base Hawaii Kaneohe Bay.

“The MV-22s are capable and versatile aircraft for operations in the Pacific,” said Capt. John Wilkinson, a pilot assigned to VMM-268.

“It’s important to remember that flights of this magnitude wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and support of our Marines and our allies and partners.”  Capt. John Wilkinson, a pilot assigned to VMM-268

While transiting the islands of the South Pacific via a path resembling the Corps’ island-hopping campaign of World War II, they prioritized their interactions with local leaders and communities along the way. In Fiji, the Marines welcomed airfield support staff onboard for a tour and later came together to share a meal and exchange tokens of appreciation for support.

In American Samoa, the Marines had several memorable interactions. Sergeant Tyrone Travers, a native of the island, embraced his sister for the first time in six years. Colonel Manlee Herrington, MAG-24 commanding officer, met with two retired Marines; Sgt. Maj. Tusipasi Suiaunoa, whose last assignment was as the Headquarters and Support Battalion Sergeant Major at U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific; and Cpl. Ketsemame Meaole, a veteran of the war in Vietnam.

While in the Republic of Kiribati, the Marines delivered humanitarian aid supplies to the community,…