A CV-22 Osprey is refueled during a training mission over Mali, Africa

A CV-22 Osprey from the 8th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla., is refueled by an MC-130P Combat Shadow from the 67th Special Operations Squadron, during a training mission over Mali, Africa, Nov. 17, 2008. The aircraft were in Mali supporting Exercise Flintlock, which also served as the Osprey's first operational deployment. (Photo by Sgt. Nicholas Hernandez)

Malian commandos conduct a reconnaissance and assault mission

Malian commandos conduct a reconnaissance and assault mission in Gao, Mali, during Flintlock Nov. 17, 2008. (FOUO) (Photo by U.S. Army SGT Nicholas Hernandez)

Malian and Senegalese military forces in infiltration and extraction maneuvers

Malian and Senegalese military forces rehearse infiltration and extraction maneuvers alongside special operations forces and European partner nation military forces with CV-22 Ospreys from the 8th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla., Nov. 12, 2008, as part of the joint training exercise Flintlock in Mali, Africa. (Photo by Sgt. Kieran Cuddihy)

A CV-22 Osprey touches down at a landing zone

A CV-22 Osprey from the 8th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla., touches down at a landing zone during a joint training mission near Bamako, Mali, Nov. 12, 2008. Four Ospreys were in Africa supporting Exercise Flintlock, where they served as a training platform for Malian and Senegalese troops in conjunction with U.S. special operations forces and European partner nation military forces. (Photo by Sgt. Kieran Cuddihy)

Malian and Senegalese military forces rehearse alongside special operations forces

Malian and Senegalese military forces rehearse infiltration and extraction maneuvers alongside special operations forces and European partner nation military forces with CV-22 Ospreys from the 8th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla., Nov. 12, 2008. The mission was part of the joint training Exercise Flintlock in Mali, Africa. (Photo by Sgt. Kieran Cuddihy)

An Airman walks the wing of a CV-22 Osprey during a maintenance examination in Mali, Africa,

An Airman from the 1st Special Operations Helicopter Maintenance Squadron walks the wing of a CV-22 Osprey during a maintenance examination in Mali, Africa, Nov. 12, 2008. Four Ospreys from the 8th Special Operations Squadron and roughly 100 Airmen from the 1st Special Operations Wing deployed to Africa in support of Exercise Flintlock. (Photo by Sgt. Kieran Cuddihy)