United States Navy (USN) Lockheed KC-130T Hercules 164106 (RU-106) (VR-55) Arrives into Rockhampton Airport

With 'Phase 0' of Joint Military Exercise Talisman Saber 2017 (TS17) underway around Rockhampton and the nearby Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA), the familiarisation flights and pre-exercise work continued as United States Navy (USN) Lockheed KC-130T Hercules (L-382) 164106 touched down at Rockhampton Airport from Townsville late on Thursday 29 June .

The Hercules - serial 164106 - coded RU-106 - of the VR-55 Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 55 - is pictured parked on the Southern end of the Rockhampton Airport parking apron soon after arriving from Townsville as "Convoy 7966".  It looked to be being prepared to stay for at least the night.

Of interest, the Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 55 (VR-55) 'Minutemen' is a US Navy C-130T squadron that provides a 24-hour logistical support to US Naval forces deployed throughout the world.  VR-55 has 275 Full Time Support (FTS) personnel and Selected Reservists (SELRES), including 35 pilots.  The squadron is located at Naval Air Station Point Mugu which is North of Los Angeles in the USA.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Kayanne H for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

All photos taken by Kayanne Hardsman  ©