United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey 168655 / EP-08 "Hacksaw 12" Pops into 'Camp Rocky' near Rockhampton Airport

In the continuing build-up to the joint Military Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019 (TS19), on Saturday 29 June, United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft 168655 / EP-08 was photographed departing 'Camp Rocky' - the Australian Army Defence Support Unit (DSU) camp adjacent to Rockhampton Airport.

168655 / EP-08 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.

168655 / EP-08 was believed to have arrived from and then later departed back to the USS Wasp (LHD-1) which is believed to be in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) where it is participating in Exercise Talisman Sabre.

Sincere thanks to local photographer Russell P for being at the right place at the right time and capturing and sending through these great photos!

All photos taken by Russell Prothero  ©