Ex Talisman Saber 2017 - USAF Dornier C-146As - 12-3047 Pops into Rockhampton Airport & 97-3091 Departs Gladstone Airport

As mentioned below, late on Wednesday 12 July, United States Air Force (USAF) Dornier C-146A (Dornier 328-120) wearing the serial number of 97-3091 touched down at Gladstone Airport from the South as "Magma 02".  After spending the night, it departed to Darwin on Thursday 13 July.

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Also on Thursday 13 July, fellow USAF Dornier C-146A serial 12-3047 was noted calling into Rockhampton Airport from the North as "Magma 01".  A short while later, it was noted departing to RAAF Base Williamtown.

Both Dorniers are of 524th Special Operations Squadron, an active squadron of the USAF, based at Cannon Air Force Base,  New Mexico, with the 27th Special Operations Wing.

Meanwhile, a couple of other American light passenger transport aircraft have been once again noted flying through CQ over the last couple of days.  On Thursday 13 July,  United States Army (US Army) (US Army Reserve Command) Beech C-12V Huron (Beech B200 King Air) 95-00091 was heard to depart Williamson Airfield within Shoalwater Bay for Townsville as "Pat 91", while 95-00093 arrived at Rockhampton Airport from the North and then departed to Canberra as "Pat 93".  On Wednesday 12 July, 95-00092 also visited Rockhampton Airport once again as "Val 92".

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Finally, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Beech B350 Super King Air A32-339 continues making daily visits to Rockhampton Airport (sometimes twice-daily!) as "Beaufort 02".

All photos taken by Scott Harris  ©