BOX ELDER, S.D. — Residents of Box Elder were treated to a rare and dramatic sight Tuesday evening when a group of United States Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys flew overhead, drawing attention with their distinctive sound and silhouette. At least three of the aircraft were seen flying in close succession, leaving many in the community buzzing with curiosity.
The Bell-Boeing MV-22B Osprey, known for its unique tiltrotor design, can take off and land like a helicopter but transition to fly like an airplane making it one of the most versatile aircraft in the U.S. military. Flight tracking data showed one of the aircraft, designated NH34, had departed Rapid City shortly before 6 p.m., flying at an altitude of approximately 5,000 feet and a ground speed of over 200 knots. Its route included a large circular maneuver north of the city before heading eastward.
One Box Elder resident shared that the aircraft reminded them of President Donald J. Trump’s 2020 visit to Mount Rushmore for the Fourth of July celebration. “They looked and sounded just like the ones that escorted President Trump to the area,” the resident said. “It was hard to miss.”
Now in his second term, President Trump has often used the MV-22 Osprey for support during official travel. The aircraft’s ability to access remote areas with speed and precision makes it ideal for both military missions and high-level government transport.
While the Marine Corps has not released any details about the nature of Tuesday’s flyover, similar aircraft activity is not unusual in the Black Hills due to the proximity of Ellsworth Air Force Base. The sight of multiple Ospreys flying overhead has led to speculation that the flight may have been part of a coordinated training mission or joint exercise.
Residents who captured photos described the aircraft flying low under partly cloudy skies, creating a powerful visual and audio experience. Whether it was three aircraft or more, the moment left a lasting impression.
“It’s not every day you see that kind of power in the sky,” one resident said. “It was incredible.”
