Ex Talisman Saber 2017 – A Pair of USAF C-17A Globemaster III Transport Aircraft on the Ground at Rockhampton Airport - 05-5153 & 00-0185

An exciting start to the aircraft action at Rockhampton Airport on Saturday 22 July with United States Air Force (USAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III 00-0185 making an early morning arrival.

It arrived from the North as “Trek 51” and was parked on the Northern Military Hardstand.  It looked to be spending some time parked on the ground as it was closed up and pitot tube covers were put in place.

00-0185 is flown by The 517th Airlift Squadron (517 AS) which is part of the 3rd Wing at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska.

Meanwhile, after arriving late in the afternoon on Friday 21 July – see Blog post below – fellow USAF Boeing C-17A Globemaster III 05-5153 was photographed departing Rockhampton Airport on Saturday 22 July for Pago Pago but as “Trek 40”.

Of interest, and like the other C-17s to visit Rocky over the last few days, 05-5153 is flown by the 535th Airlift Squadron which is part of the 15th Wing (15 WG) based at Joint Base Pearl Harbour-Hickam, Hawaii.  The wing reports directly to the commander, Pacific Air Forces (PACAF).  It also wears the insignia of the 154th Wing (154 WG) which is a unit of the Hawaii Air National Guard, which is also stationed at Hickam Field, Joint Base Pearl Harbour-Hickam. If activated to federal service, the Wing is gained by Pacific Air Forces.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotters 'IAD' and Daniel B for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

Photos taken by 'IAD' and Daniel Bishop  ©