Great Photos as United States Marine Corps (USMC) MV-22B Osprey Tiltrotor Aircraft 168633 / EP-05 Pops into Rockhampton

On Sunday 7 July, a single United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft was photographed visiting the Australian Army District Support Unit (DSU) compound nearby to Rockhampton Airport as preparations for the upcoming joint Military Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019 (TS19) continue.

The Osprey tiltrotor aircraft that visited was identified as 168633 / EP-05 and appeared to fly down to Rocky from the nearby Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).  It was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Hacksaw 11".

Osprey 168633 / EP-05 is flown by the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (VMM-265) "Dragons", which is part of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.  It is one of several Ospreys deployed on board the United States Navy ship USS Wasp (LHD-1) which is believed to be currently sailing within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) where it will be participating in Exercise Talisman Sabre.

Sincere thanks to local photographer Russell P for taking the time capture and send through these great photos!

All photos taken by Russell Prothero  ©