On Wednesday 24 July, it is believed that five US Army Boeing AH-64E Apache helicopters flew from the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) direct to the Gladstone Port.
What was believed to be a single Apache was heard arrive at Gladstone as "Shark 99", before a flight of four Apaches was heard flying to Gladstone as "Serpent 11".
The AH-64E Apaches are of the 1st Battalion 229th Aviation Regiment.
UPDATE! The US Army AH-64E Apache helicopters were spotted being loaded on board the ship in preparation for transport back the USA on Sunday 28 July.
Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 24 July, fellow US Army UH-60M Blackhawk helicopters were noted and spotted visiting both Gladstone and Camp Rocky.
It is believed that (13-)20577 as "Bigfoot 77" flew to Gladstone and back from the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).
While (13-)20592 as "Bigfoot 92" was spotted above departing Camp Rocky - the Australian Army Defence Support Unit (DSU) camp adjacent to Rockhampton Airport - for Shoalwater Bay.
The UH-60M Blackhawks are of the 2nd Battalion 158th Aviation Regiment 'Warhawks'.
Altogether with several UH-60L Blackhawks of the 1st Battalion 52nd Aviation Regiment and the AH-64E Apaches, they all formed Task Force 'Tigershark' during the Exercise.
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The Task Force also included elements of the Australian Army and Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF).
Photos taken by Ross Jochheim, Steve Vit and Michael Fleetwood ©
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