US Marine Osprey Aircraft Spotted Flying Over East River And Roosevelt Island Today

The Twitterverse reported this afternoon:

Did anyone else just see the giant military looking planes fly over the east river just now 👀 ?

— Heather Seidel (@HJSeidel) May 22, 2021

Just saw two USMC ospreys flying down the east river. That is the first time I every saw them fly in person. They are loud but super cool to see.

— LD3 (@Harlem4Dais) May 22, 2021

Some real X-Files shit must be going on around Lower Manhattan.

Anyone else see these V-22 Ospreys flying around the East River? THEY WERE FUCKING ENORMOUS!!! pic.twitter.com/sVxfDys6j3

— Chester A. Arthur (@ZacAKAMadu) May 22, 2021

A pair of Osprey flew over the East River today. pic.twitter.com/emIRriGaBN

— Angelo Young (@angeloyoung_) May 23, 2021

The two Marine Osprey aircraft were spotted flying over the East River this afternoon from Roosevelt Island too.

A Roosevelt Island resident adds:

I'm so glad you got this picture. I was really wondering about these planes as they flew by our place. What was particularly striking was that they were clearly flying in close formation as your photo clearly shows

According to the US Marine Corps:

V-22 Osprey 

Primary function: Amphibious assault transport of troops, equipment and supplies from assault ships and land bases.

Manufacturer: Bell Boeing

Description: The V-22 Osprey is a multi-engine, dual-piloted, self-deployable, medium lift, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) tilt-rotor aircraft designed for combat, combat support, combat service support, and Special Operations missions worldwide. It will replace the Corps' aged fleet of CH-46E and CH-53D medium lift helicopters.

Unit Replacement Cost: Unit Cost (FY05 $ TY Unit Recurring Flyaway Costs): $71.3M 

Mission: Marine Corps Assault Support... 

Here's a closer look at the V 22 Osprey

and flying over the East River by downtown Manhattan during 2011 Fleet Week.

UPDATE 1/6/22 - Spotted today too.

Flew over Roosevelt Island East River a few minutes ago too

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) January 6, 2022

Today Is National POW/MIA Recognition Day - POW/MIA Flag Flying Below US Flag Over Main Street Roosevelt Island Thru Efforts Of Resident West Point Grad & RIOC

The third Friday in September has been designated as National POW/MIA Recognition Day.

Today is National POW/MIA Recognition Day. We pause to remember the sacrifice of those who have yet to come home and the sacrifice of the families still waiting for answers. We also reaffirm our unwavering commitment to account as fully as possible for our unreturned veterans. pic.twitter.com/I06CLq1nMx

— POW-MIA Families (@POWMIAFamilies1) September 18, 2020

Have you noticed the black and white flag flying beneath the American Flag at the Roosevelt Island Blackwell Turnaround on Main Street

View this post on Instagram

Today is National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Have you noticed the Roosevelt Island POW/MIA flag flying below American Flag at Blackwell Turnaround.

A post shared by @ rooseveltislander on Sep 18, 2020 at 2:35pm PDT

and wondered what it was about?

According to the National League of POW*MIA Families: 

... The importance of the POW/MIA flag lies in its visibility as a constant reminder of America’s UNRETURNED VETERANS. Other than "Old Glory," our POW/MIA flag is the only flag ever to fly over the White House, first displayed in this place of honor by President Ronald Reagan on National POW/MIA Recognition Day, 1982. 

On March 9, 1989, an official League flag – flown over the White House on National POW/MIA Recognition Day 1988 – was installed in the US Capitol Rotunda after legislation passed overwhelmingly during the 100th Congress. In a demonstration of further bipartisan Congressional support, the leadership of both Houses hosted the installation ceremony, at which Ann Mills-Griffiths, then League Executive Director, now Chairman of the Board/CEO, delivered remarks representing the POW/MIA families. 

The League’s POW/MIA flag is the only flag ever displayed in the US Capitol Rotunda where it stands as a powerful symbol of America’s determination to account for US personnel still missing and unaccounted-for from the Vietnam War. On August 10, 1990, the 101st Congress passed bipartisan legislation and President George H.W. Bush signed PL 101-355, recognizing our POW/MIA flag and designating it “the symbol of our Nation’s concern and commitment to resolving as fully as possible the fates of Americans still prisoner, missing and unaccounted for in Southeast Asia, thus ending the uncertainty for their families and the Nation”. 

On November 7, 2019, President Donald J. Trump signed PL 116-67, amending Title 36, Section 2 (Days on Which the POW/MIA Flag is Displayed on Certain Federal Property), and Subsection 902(c) (Days for Flag Display). For the purposes of these sections, POW/MIA flag display days are all days on which the flag of the United States is displayed.... 

As reported in September 2017:

How did the POW/MIA Flag get raised on Roosevelt Island? It was on the initiative of Roosevelt Island resident Ross Wollen with the assistance of Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal and Director of Transportation Cy Opperman.

Mr. Wollen, a resident of Rivercross for almost 40 years, graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point NY in 1965. Over the years Mr. Wollen has hosted West Point Cadets and his Classmates on Roosevelt Island as they visit NYC for various events and reunions.

Among his frequent guests is Robert Jones, a West Point Classmate and good friend who joined the US Air Force as a Fighter Pilot upon graduation, and like almost all of the members of the 1965 Class spent time in the Viet Nam War several years after leaving the Academy. Mr. Jones was shot down over North Viet Nam close to his final mission, severely injured, captured and spent over five years in captivity, as a POW at various prison camps including the infamous Hanoi Hilton. There he was quartered, when not in solitary confinement or being privately tortured, with the Navy pilot, now Senator, John McCain.

Mr. Wollen wished to recognize and honor the service of his friend and West Point classmate, Robert Jones.
According to Mr. Wollen:

Read more »

POW/MIA Flag Joins US Flag Flying Over Main Street Roosevelt Island Thru Efforts Of Resident West Point Grad & RIOC - Today Is National POW/MIA Recognition Day

Until July 18, 1979, no special commemoration was held to honor America’s POW/MIAs, those returned and those still missing and unaccounted for from our nation’s wars. Learn the history of National POW/MIA Recognition Day: https://t.co/bZWcP55Kz2 pic.twitter.com/YrRrA1Et0q

— Vietnam Vet Memorial (@VVMF) September 20, 2019

Below is a 2017 post about the Roosevelt Island POW/MIA Flag.

Have you noticed the black and white flag flying beneath the American Flag at the Roosevelt Island Blackwell Turnaround on Main Street and wondered what it was about?

The flag symbolizes the American Prisoners Of War and Missing In Action during the Vietnam War. According to the National League of POW/MIA Families:

In 1970, an MIA wife and member of the National League of POW/MIA Families recognized the need for a symbol of our POW/MIAs....

... Other than "Old Glory," the League’s POW/MIA flag is the only flag ever to fly over the White House, having been displayed in this place of honor on National POW/MIA Recognition Day since 1982. On March 9, 1989, a POW/MIA flag that had flown over White House on National POW/MIA Recognition Day in1988 was installed in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda as a result of legislation passed overwhelmingly during the 100th Congress. In a demonstration of bipartisan Congressional support, the leadership of both Houses hosted the installation ceremony. On August 10, 1990, the 101st Congress passed U.S. Public Law 101-355, which recognized the League’s POW/MIA flag and designated it “as the symbol of our Nation’s concern and commitment to resolving as fully as possible the fates of Americans still prisoner, missing and unaccounted for in Southeast Asia, thus ending the uncertainty for their families and the Nation”....

Image From National League of POW/MIA Families

How did the POW/MIA Flag get raised on Roosevelt Island? It was on the initiative of Roosevelt Island resident Ross Wollen with the assistance of Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal and Director of Transportation Cy Opperman.

Mr. Wollen, a resident of Rivercross for almost 40 years, graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point NY in 1965. Over the years Mr. Wollen has hosted West Point Cadets and his Classmates on Roosevelt Island as they visit NYC for various events and reunions.

Among his frequent guests is Robert Jones, a West Point Classmate and good friend who joined the US Air Force as a Fighter Pilot upon graduation, and like almost all of the members of the 1965 Class spent time in the Viet Nam War several years after leaving the Academy. Mr. Jones was shot down over North Viet Nam close to his final mission, severely injured, captured and spent over five years in captivity, as a POW at various prison camps including the infamous Hanoi Hilton. There he was quartered, when not in solitary confinement or being privately tortured, with the Navy pilot, now Senator, John McCain.

Mr. Wollen wished to recognize and honor the service of his friend and West Point classmate, Robert Jones.

Read more »

Outdoor Performance Of Sophocles' Ajax And Philoctetes Presented By Theater Of War In Honor Of Fleet Week Friday May 25 At Roosevelt Island FDR Four Freedoms Park - A Catalyst For Town Hall Discussion About Challenges Faced By Veterans, Families & Communities Impacted By War And Violence

In honor of Fleet Week NYC, Theater of War Productions will be presenting a dramatic reading of scenes from Sophocles' Ajax and Philoctetes on Friday, May 25 at Roosevelt Island's FDR Four Freedoms Park starting at 5:30 PM.

According to a Theater of War spokesperson::

A special outdoor performance of Theater of War for Fleet Week at Four Freedoms Park on Roosevelt Island.

The performance will feature Kathryn Erbe (Law & Order: SVU), Zach Grenier (The Good Wife), and Glenn Davis (24).

In attendance: uniformed service members from a local Marine unit and a National Guard unit, along with veterans from shelters and transitional housing throughout the city

Also:

Theater of War is a free, interactive performance of scenes from Sophocles' Ajax and Philoctetes, ancient Greek plays, as a catalyst for town hall discussions led by community panelists about the challenges faced by veterans, families, and communities impacted by war and violence. This groundbreaking project is designed to promote understanding, compassion, and positive action.

FEATURING THE ACTORS: KATHRYN ERBE, GLENN DAVIS, and ZACH GRENIER.

TRANSLATED, DIRECTED & FACILITATED BY
BRYAN DOERRIES
PUBLIC ARTIST IN RESIDENCE (PAIR), CITY OF NEW YORK

The NYC Department of Veterans’ Services and Department of Cultural Affairs named Bryan Doerries Artistic Director of Theater of War Productions, as the city’s Newest Public Artist in Residence (PAIR). Over the next two years. Theater of War Productions will bring theater projects and community conversations that address critical public health and social issues to all five boroughs. All events are free and will take place in more than 60 venues across New York City. The project will combine theater and public forums that engage both veterans and civilians in community-specific performances that foster health and healing through open discussion and exchange. For more information, please visit:...

Tickets to this free event at FDR Four Freedoms Park are available here.

POW/MIA Flag Joins US Flag Flying Over Main Street Roosevelt Island Thru Efforts Of Resident West Point Grad & RIOC - Today Is National POW/MIA Recognition Day

Have you noticed the black and white flag flying beneath the American Flag at the Roosevelt Island Blackwell Turnaround on Main Street and wondered what it was about?

The flag symbolizes the American Prisoners Of War and Missing In Action during the Vietnam War. According to the National League of POW/MIA Families:

In 1970, an MIA wife and member of the National League of POW/MIA Families recognized the need for a symbol of our POW/MIAs....

... Other than "Old Glory," the League’s POW/MIA flag is the only flag ever to fly over the White House, having been displayed in this place of honor on National POW/MIA Recognition Day since 1982. On March 9, 1989, a POW/MIA flag that had flown over White House on National POW/MIA Recognition Day in1988 was installed in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda as a result of legislation passed overwhelmingly during the 100th Congress. In a demonstration of bipartisan Congressional support, the leadership of both Houses hosted the installation ceremony. On August 10, 1990, the 101st Congress passed U.S. Public Law 101-355, which recognized the League’s POW/MIA flag and designated it “as the symbol of our Nation’s concern and commitment to resolving as fully as possible the fates of Americans still prisoner, missing and unaccounted for in Southeast Asia, thus ending the uncertainty for their families and the Nation”....

Image From National League of POW/MIA Families

How did the POW/MIA Flag get raised on Roosevelt Island? It was on the initiative of Roosevelt Island resident Ross Wollen with the assistance of Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal and Director of Transportation Cy Opperman.

Mr. Wollen, a resident of Rivercross for almost 40 years, graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point NY in 1965. Over the years Mr. Wollen has hosted West Point Cadets and his Classmates on Roosevelt Island as they visit NYC for various events and reunions.

Among his frequent guests is Robert Jones, a West Point Classmate and good friend who joined the US Air Force as a Fighter Pilot upon graduation, and like almost all of the members of the 1965 Class spent time in the Viet Nam War several years after leaving the Academy. Mr. Jones was shot down over North Viet Nam close to his final mission, severely injured, captured and spent over five years in captivity, as a POW at various prison camps including the infamous Hanoi Hilton. There he was quartered, when not in solitary confinement or being privately tortured, with the Navy pilot, now Senator, John McCain.

Mr. Wollen wished to recognize and honor the service of his friend and West Point classmate, Robert Jones.

Read more »

You're Invited To United States Marine Corp Band New Orleans Concert At Roosevelt Island's FDR Four Freedoms Park Friday June 16 - Play That Funky Music Marines

Come and enjoy the United States Marine Corp Band New Orleans performing at Roosevelt Island's FDR Four Freedoms Park tomorrow night, June 16 starting at 7 PM. Free admission.

In New York City this week? Come join the Marines! pic.twitter.com/CkZwWhrKzl

— Marine Corps Reserve (@MarForRes) June 12, 2017

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) reports:

Enjoy a free public concert by the Marine Corps Band New Orleans on Friday, June 16th at Four Freedoms Park. Starting at 7 PM, the Marine Corps Band will put on a show honoring the citizens of Roosevelt Island.

We hope to see you there!

Take a listen to the US Marine Corp Band New Orleans get funky at Mardi Gras



and perform at the 2014 Rex Ball in New Orleans.



According to the US Marine Corp New Orleans web site:

Since November 10, 1775 precision and adaptability have been the hallmarks of all Marine Corps units. Marine Corps Band New Orleans is no different. The band is dedicated to excellence and committed to providing America with a glimpse of the Marine Corps' proficiency and versatility.

Marine Corps Band New Orleans was established October 1, 1978. Under the operational control of the Commanding General, Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, the unit is comprised of active duty Marines stationed aboard the Marine Corps Support Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana. The band supports all units of the Fourth Marine Logistics Group, Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, Fourth Marine Division, and Force Headquarters Group. Additionally, these Marines are often called upon to perform in support of Marine Corps Recruiting Command initiatives and community relations programs.

Each year the musicians of the band travel throughout the United States entertaining over 6 million people as they perform in more than 280 concerts, parades, and ceremonies. The members of the band are basically trained riflemen, fulfill all annual Marine Corps physical and combat fitness requirements, participate in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program and, when directed by the Commanding General, serve as part of a security element in conflicts and exercises around the globe. There are several members of the current ensemble who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan and the principle conductor also served in Desert Shield/Desert Storm....

and press release:

The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve will close out its 10-month nationwide centennial celebrations where it began in New York City with a three-show concert series June 14-16, 2017. The concerts will bring the centennial celebration full circle since Marines and supporters nationwide witnessed the kickoff at Times Square on August 29, 2016.

“We’re honored to wrap up the nationwide Marine Corps Reserve Centennial celebrations in the city where it began last year,” said Gunnery Sgt. Justin Hauser, senior conductor of Marine Corps Band New Orleans. “We’re pulling out all the stops to give New Yorkers the most patriotic show as thanks for their ongoing support of the Marine Corps Reserve.”

Since the Times Square kickoff, the Marine Corps Reserve has celebrated at more than 100 high-profile events in cities across the country, including New York, Boston, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Chicago, Seattle, New Orleans, Houston, Nashville, and others....

We're going to have a good time with the US Marine Corp Band New Orleans Friday June 16 at Roosevelt Island's FDR Four Freedoms Park.

See you there.

UPDATE 7;20 PM - According to RIOC:

Due to the Marine Corps Band Concert, the Red Bus will extend its route to Four Freedoms Park on Friday, June 16, 2017, starting the extended bus service at 5:30 PM on Friday until the end of the Concert. When the concert ends, the Red Bus will provide return service, making all regularly scheduled stops on the route.

United States Marine Corp Band New Orleans Performing At Roosevelt Island's FDR Four Freedoms Park Friday June 16 - Play That Funky Music Marines

Some good and exciting news about an upcoming Roosevelt Island event.

Mark your calendar and save the date of Friday evening June 16 for the United States Marine Corp Band New Orleans performing at Roosevelt Island's FDR Four Freedoms Park.

According to the US Marine Corp New Orleans web site:

Since November 10, 1775 precision and adaptability have been the hallmarks of all Marine Corps units. Marine Corps Band New Orleans is no different. The band is dedicated to excellence and committed to providing America with a glimpse of the Marine Corps' proficiency and versatility.

Marine Corps Band New Orleans was established October 1, 1978. Under the operational control of the Commanding General, Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, the unit is comprised of active duty Marines stationed aboard the Marine Corps Support Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana. The band supports all units of the Fourth Marine Logistics Group, Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, Fourth Marine Division, and Force Headquarters Group. Additionally, these Marines are often called upon to perform in support of Marine Corps Recruiting Command initiatives and community relations programs.

Each year the musicians of the band travel throughout the United States entertaining over 6 million people as they perform in more than 280 concerts, parades, and ceremonies. The members of the band are basically trained riflemen, fulfill all annual Marine Corps physical and combat fitness requirements, participate in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program and, when directed by the Commanding General, serve as part of a security element in conflicts and exercises around the globe. There are several members of the current ensemble who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan and the principle conductor also served in Desert Shield/Desert Storm....

and press release:

The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve will close out its 10-month nationwide centennial celebrations where it began in New York City with a three-show concert series June 14-16, 2017. The concerts will bring the centennial celebration full circle since Marines and supporters nationwide witnessed the kickoff at Times Square on August 29, 2016.

“We’re honored to wrap up the nationwide Marine Corps Reserve Centennial celebrations in the city where it began last year,” said Gunnery Sgt. Justin Hauser, senior conductor of Marine Corps Band New Orleans. “We’re pulling out all the stops to give New Yorkers the most patriotic show as thanks for their ongoing support of the Marine Corps Reserve.”

Since the Times Square kickoff, the Marine Corps Reserve has celebrated at more than 100 high-profile events in cities across the country, including New York, Boston, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Chicago, Seattle, New Orleans, Houston, Nashville, and others.

The multimedia concerts will be held at:

Garibaldi Plaza in Washington Square Park
In addition to celebrating the Marine Corps Reserve Centennial, Marine Corps Band New Orleans will also celebrate Flag Day and honor New York City’s first responders.

Wednesday, June 14 at 7 p.m.

Kaye Theater at Hunter College
Marine Corps Band New Orleans and USO Show Troupe will honor New York City’s support of the Marine Corps Reserve at this show.

Thursday, June 15 at 7 p.m.

FDR Four Freedoms State Park
The finale event of the 10-month national celebration of the Marine Corps Reserve Centennial, the show will honor the continuing support New York state has given the Marine Corps Reserve over the past 100 years.

Friday, June 16 at 7 p.m.

Take a listen to the US Marine Corp Band New Orleans get funky at Mardi Gras



and perform at the 2014 Rex Ball in New Orleans.



We're going to have a good time with the US Marine Corp Band New Orleans Friday June 16 at Roosevelt Island's FDR Four Freedoms Park.

See you there.

Roosevelt Island Welcomes United States Navy, Marines And Coast GuardTo Fleet Week New York

Signage next to the Roosevelt Island F Train Subway

and Tram Station

welcomes the US Navy, Marines and Coast Guard to Roosevelt Island for the 2016 Fleet Week NYC.

I have not seen any of the Fleet around Roosevelt Island this week - have you?



Thank you to all the men and women serving in the US Military.