Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 22 (VMX-22) was established in August 2003 as the first operational test squadron for the revolutionary MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. Based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, VMX-22 played a critical role in evaluating and validating the Osprey’s capabilities, tactics, and integration into Marine Corps aviation. The squadron conducted extensive operational testing, including shipboard operations, aerial refueling, and assault support missions, directly contributing to the Osprey's eventual fleet-wide deployment. In June 2016, VMX-22 was redesignated as VMX-1, consolidating its mission with other Marine aviation test elements to further advance operational testing across multiple platforms.
