The Twitterverse reported this afternoon:

Did anyone else just see the giant military looking planes fly over the east
river just now 👀 ?

— Heather Seidel (@HJSeidel)
May 22, 2021

Just saw two USMC ospreys flying down the east river. That is the first time
I every saw them fly in person. They are loud but super cool to see.

— LD3 (@Harlem4Dais)
May 22, 2021

Some real X-Files shit must be going on around Lower Manhattan.

Anyone
else see these V-22 Ospreys flying around the East River? THEY WERE FUCKING
ENORMOUS!!! pic.twitter.com/sVxfDys6j3

— Chester A. Arthur (@ZacAKAMadu)
May 22, 2021

A pair of Osprey flew over the East River today.
pic.twitter.com/emIRriGaBN

— Angelo Young (@angeloyoung_)
May 23, 2021

The two Marine Osprey aircraft were spotted flying over the East River this
afternoon from Roosevelt Island too.

A
Roosevelt Island resident adds:

I’m so glad you got this picture. I was really wondering about these planes as
they flew by our place. What was particularly striking was that they were
clearly flying in close formation as your photo clearly shows

According to the
US Marine Corps:

V-22 Osprey 

Primary function: Amphibious assault transport of troops, equipment and
supplies from assault ships and land bases.

Manufacturer: Bell Boeing

Description: The V-22 Osprey is a multi-engine, dual-piloted, self-deployable,
medium lift, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) tilt-rotor aircraft designed
for combat, combat support, combat service support, and Special Operations
missions worldwide. It will replace the Corps’ aged fleet of CH-46E and CH-53D
medium lift helicopters.

Unit Replacement Cost: Unit Cost (FY05 $ TY Unit Recurring Flyaway Costs):
$71.3M 

Mission: Marine Corps Assault Support… 

Here’s a closer look at the V 22 Osprey

and flying over the East River by downtown Manhattan during 2011 Fleet Week.