United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lockheed KC-130J Hercules 167108 (QB-7108) "Raider 52" Calls into Rockhampton Airport

On Friday 30 June, United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lockheed KC-130J Hercules 167108 (Tail Code QB-7108) was photographed arriving into Rockhampton Airport from RAAF Base Richmond.  It was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Raider 52".

After a short time on the ground, the KC-130J was departed Rockhampton Airport and completed air-to-air refuelling drills with USMC aircraft and helicopters/Ospreys from the United States Navy (USN) Ship USS America (LHA-6) which is currently in waters off the Capricorn Coast.

USS America (LHA-6), is an amphibious assault ship of the United States Navy and the lead ship of the America-class amphibious assault ship.

Of interest, KC-130J Hercules 167108 (Tail Code QB-7108) is flown by the Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 (VMGR-352) as a part of Marine Aircraft Group 11 (MAG-11), 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW).

The squadron, known as the "Raiders", is stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California.

Of further interest, another USMC Lockheed KC-130J Hercules of VMGR-352 has visited Townsville Airport twice over the past week with 165735 (Tail Code QB-5735) noted flying between Townsville and Darwin as "Raider 51".

Photos taken by Scott Harris and Krystiana Taylor  ©