Sunday, March 27, 2016

RAAF Search and Rescue (CHC Helicopters) Sikorsky S-76A VH-HRP "Choppa 3" at Gladstone Airport Late Saturday

Late on Saturday 26 March, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Search and Rescue (CHC Helicopters) Sikorsky S-76A VH-HRP "Choppa 3" was noted departing Gladstone Airport while heading North to Townsville.

File photo taken by Michael Fleetwood  ©

"Choppa 3" is believed to be heading to Townsville to provide support during the RAAF's Exercise Black Dagger.  RAAF Pilatus PC-9 aircraft from Number 4 Squadron have been joined in Townsville over the weekend by United States Navy (USN) Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-115 F/A-18E Super Hornets from Naval Air Facility Atsugi in Japan, ahead of the Exercise which will begin in the coming days.

Photo taken by Dave  ©

Photo taken by Dave  ©

Exercise Black Dagger is a field training exercise that has been held at RAAF Base Townsville and surrounding airspace over the past couple of weeks.  Exercise Black Dagger is the culmination of Number 57 Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) course designed to produce combat-ready JTAC-qualified personnel.

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