Exercise Wallaby 2019 - The Four Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Boeing CH-47D Chinook Helicopters Depart Rockhampton Airport and Return to Oakey

With the Singapore Armed Force's Military Exercise Wallaby 2019 all but over for another year, on Wednesday 6 November, the four Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Boeing CH-47D Chinook helicopters that were deployed to Rockhampton Airport for the Exercise were noted departing Rocky and heading back to their base at Oakey.  The four Chinook helicopters looked to depart Rocky all in formation as "Celtic".

The CH-47D Chinook helicopters had arrived into Rockhampton Airport in late September and were identified wearing the serial numbers 88181, 88182, 88186 and 88188, which are four of five which deployed to the Oakey Army Aviation Centre last year following a deployment in the United States of America (USA).

During this year's Exercise Wallaby, the RSAF Boeing CH-47D Chinook helicopters completed numerous sorties to Shoalwater Bay and back to Rockhampton Airport as singles and in flights of two or even three.  Most flights have been in the late afternoon / early evening as shown in these spectacular photos captured by local photographer Russell P recently.

Of interest, the Chinook helicopters are flown by the RSAF's 127 Helicopter Squadron which is based at the Sembawang Air Base (SBAB) in Singapore, however as mentioned, with a detachment at Oakey.

The squadron goes by the motto of "Strength, Courage, Swiftness", the motto is supported by the squadron motif, a white horse in full battle armour.

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

Photos taken by Steve Vit and Russell Prothero  ©