The team of Boeing-Bell said Monday it had delivered the Air Force’s first production CV-22 Osprey. Air Force Special Operations Command will use the CV-22 for long-range special operations, contingency operations, and evacuations, as well as search and rescue operations. The current program calls for AFSOC to field 50 CV-22s. The Osprey will finish developmental testing and follow-on testing at Edwards AFB, Calif. AFSOC expects to achieve initial operational capability in 2009.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.