And United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lockheed KC-130J Hercules 167926 "Sumo 96" Also Pops into Rockhampton Airport

Also on Tuesday 16 July, United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lockheed KC-130J Hercules 167926 (Tail Code QD-7926) was also photographed visiting Rockhampton Airport.  It looked to fly South from Townsville via Shoalwater Bay and was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Sumo 96".

After a short time on the ground, 167926 / QD-7926 departed Rockhampton Airport and flew back into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) before later returning to Townsville.

The Herc is one of two that have deployed to Townsville during joint Military Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019 (TS19) that are flown by the Marine Aerial Refueller Transport Squadron 152 (VMGR-152) the "Sumos".

The other USMC KC-130J Hercules 169532 (Tail Code QD-9532) has been noted flying around as "Sumo 97" is also currently based at Townsville.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotters Trevor H and Steve V for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

Photos taken by Trevor Hardsman and Steve Vit  ©