Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet (MMF) / Royal Netherlands Air Force / NATO Airbus A330-200MRTT T-059 Completes Airwork at Rockhampton Airport - Nice!

On Tuesday 21 July, probably one of the best visitors ever seen in the region, was this Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet (MMF) / Koninklijke Luchtmacht (Royal Netherlands Air Force) / NATO Airbus A330-200MRTT with serial T-059 which was flying as "Gryphon 31" and completed several approaches at Rockhampton Airport.

The MRTT is in Australia as a part of Exercise Pitch Black 2026 which is the large‑scale, multinational air combat training exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), involving around 20–21 nations, up to 100 aircraft, and more than 2,500 personnel operating across RAAF Bases Darwin, Tindal and Amberley.

The MRTT is part of the Exercise refuelling aircraft based at RAAF Base Amberley and it flew up from there to Rockhampton Airport to complete an initial and pitch approach and then did five touch and go's and a low over pass before it later departed back to Amberley. 

What an awesome visitor! On departure back to Amberley the pilot said "A million thanks for that" to which the Rockhampton Airport Air Traffic Control tower replied "You're welcome any time".  Indeed they are!

Photos taken by Trevor Hardsman and Steve Vit  ©