Exercise Talisman Saber 2017 - Many More Photos as 13 US Army Apache and Blackhawk Helicopters Passed Through Mackay Airport Last Friday

As we posted below, on Friday 30 June, 13 helicopters of the United States Army (US Army) flew from the Gladstone Port to Townsville via Mackay Airport.  They are in Queensland to participate in joint Military Exercise Talisman Saber 2017 (TS17).

They flew in two flights - The first flight consisted of four Boeing AH-64 Apache and two Sikorsky UH-60/HH-60 Blackhawk helicopters and were heard to use the radio callsign of "Pegasus", while the second flight consisted of the seven remaining Sikorsky UH-60/HH-60 Blackhawk helicopters.  They were heard to use radio callsign of "Stampede" and also flew via Rockhampton Airport.

At Mackay Airport, a good crowd of onlookers gathered near the Western General Aviation were treated to the spectacular sight of all 13 choppers back on the ground at once!

Eventually, all the helicopters continued to Townsville where they will be participating in pre-exercise flights.

I believe the four Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopters are of the Air Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (2nd Squadron) of the 25th Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade, stationed at Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii.

I believe the nine Sikorsky Blackhawk helicopters are UH-60s of the 25th Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade - 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment "Diamond Head" and HH-60Ms of the 25th Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade - 3rd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment "Hammerhead".

I hope you enjoyed reading this post!

My sincere thanks to the local plane spotter for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos from a great day at Mackay Airport! 

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All photos taken by 'AC'  ©