San Juan, December 24 - In a significant enhancement of U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) capabilities in the Caribbean region, multiple CV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft and MC-130J Commando II special operations tankers and transports have recently deployed to Rafael Hernandez International Airport in Puerto Rico. Satellite imagery and air traffic records confirm the presence of at least nine CV-22B Ospreys and five MC-130J Commando IIs, with arrivals noted around mid-December 2025. This deployment underscores the versatility of these advanced platforms in supporting long-range, low-visibility missions critical to special operations forces.
The CV-22B Osprey, a specialized variant of the V-22 tiltrotor family, excels in rapid infiltration and exfiltration of special operations teams, combining helicopter-like vertical takeoff and landing with the speed and range of a fixed-wing turboprop aircraft. Equipped with terrain-following radar, enhanced fuel capacity, and advanced defensive systems, the CV-22B Osprey enables clandestine operations in contested environments, extending operational reach far beyond conventional helicopters. Complementing these are the MC-130J Commando II aircraft, derived from the proven C-130J Super Hercules platform but optimized for AFSOC with low-level air refueling capabilities, precision airdrop systems, and robust avionics for night and adverse weather penetration.
This pairing of CV-22B Osprey and MC-130J Commando II represents a cornerstone of modern U.S. special operations aviation, allowing extended-range missions through in-flight refueling of tiltrotor assets while facilitating covert resupply and personnel recovery. The MC-130J's ability to conduct single- or multi-ship low-level operations enhances the Osprey's endurance, enabling sustained presence in remote or sensitive areas. Additional supporting assets, including HC-130J search-and-rescue variants and HH-60W helicopters, further bolster comprehensive special operations readiness.
Such forward positioning of CV-22B Osprey and MC-130J Commando II fleets highlights AFSOC's commitment to agile, global response capabilities, ensuring rapid deployment of specialized airpower for infiltration, exfiltration, and support missions across diverse theaters.