They were identified as 162154 / 30 and 162165 / 31 and are both flown by the Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 (VRC-30 Detachment 5) the "Providers". Both Greyhounds have been completing regular flights between land (usually RAAF Base Amberley) and the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) which is sailing off the coast of South-East Queensland.
C-2A Greyhound 162154 / 30 was first to touch down at Rockhampton Airport, arriving direct from RAAF Base Amberley and using the radio callsign of "Password 30".
It later departed to the USS Ronald Reagan.
Then 162165 / 31 also called into Rockhampton Airport, also arriving direct from Amberley but using the radio callsign of "Password 31".
Later on Monday 22 July, 162154 / 30 "Password 30" returned to Rockhampton Airport direct from the USS Ronald Reagan before it then departed for Amberley.
162165 / 31 "Password 31" returned directly to Amberley from the USS Ronald Reagan.
The Greyhounds transported local media to the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) where they were able to observe flight operations on board the Nimitz-class, nuclear-powered supercarrier of the United States Navy. It is the ninth ship of its class (of 11) and is named in honour of Ronald W. Reagan, President of the United States from 1981 to 1989.
There are around 60 fixed wing and rotary aircraft in the USS Ronald Reagan's armament. The ship has 18 decks and is some 333-metres long - more than three football fields!
Of interest, the Grumman C-2A Greyhound is a twin-engine, high-wing cargo aircraft, designed to carry supplies and mail to and from aircraft carriers of the United States Navy. Its primary mission is carrier onboard delivery (COD).
Sincere thanks to the local plane spotters for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos of a couple of great visitors to Rockhampton Airport!
Photos taken by Ash Burggraaff, Scott Harris and 'IAD' with additional images from Defence Media... ©
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