The Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James T. Conway, will announce the deployment of the first operational MV-22 Osprey squadron in a press briefing on Friday at 11 a.m. EDT in the Pentagon briefing studio, Pentagon 2E579. Lt. Gen. John G. Castellaw, deputy commandant for aviation, will also speak.

Immediately following the briefing there will be an orientation flight in an MV-22 Osprey for a limited number (20) of media representatives. Seats will be provided on a first come, first served basis, one per media organization. Contact Capt. Jay Delarosa at (703) 614-4309 no later than 4:30 p.m. Thursday if you would like to participate.

For more information in regard to this release the media can contact Lt. Col. Scott Fazekas at (703) 614-8029. Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the North Parking Entrance only. Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification. Please call (703) 697-5131 for escort into the building.