United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey 168220 / EP-00 "Hacksaw 12" Spotted at Rockhampton

In the continuing build-up to the joint Military Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019 (TS19), on Wednesday 26 June, United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft 168220 / EP-00 was a surprise arrival into 'Camp Rocky' - the Australian Army Defence Support Unit (DSU) camp adjacent to Rockhampton Airport.

After spending a short time on the ground, the Osprey departed to the South-East.

168220 / EP-00 was noted flying as "Hacksaw 12".

The Osprey is flown by the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (VMM-265) "Dragons", which is part of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.

168220 / EP-00 was one of many Ospreys spotted on board the USS Wasp (LHD-1) which spend part of last week in Port at Sydney.  It is currently sailing North to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) where it will be participating in Exercise Talisman Sabre.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Jason M for being at the right place at the right time and capturing and sending through these great photos!

All photos taken by Jason Miller  ©