As usual, the massive USAF military transport aircraft taxied in and parked on Gate 6 on the Southern end of the Rockhampton Airport apron.
Interestingly, on this occasion, the Super Galaxy was promptly lowered into its 'kneeling' position, the nose raised and loading ramp put in place in preparation for loading. And soon enough, the remaining Combatant Craft Medium (CCM) Mk 1 Stealth Boat, which is operated by the United States Navy SEAL's and was in Central Queensland to participate in joint Military Exercise Talisman Saber 2017 (TS17), was brought around from a holding yard and loaded into the aircraft - again truck and all!
With the Navy SEAL's Shadowy Multi-Mission Stealth Speedboat loaded, 87-0034 was closed back up and shut down for the night. It is expected that it will depart to Hawaii during the late morning on Thursday 5 October - stay tuned for more details!
Of interest, the Super Galaxy 87-0034 is flown by the USAF's 22nd Airlift Squadron (22nd AS) "Mulies" which is part of the 60th Air Mobility Wing based at Travis Air Force Base in California.
It is the 23rd USAF C-5 to be converted to a C-5M 'Super Galaxy' which features new General Electric F138-GE-100 (CF6-80C2) engines, pylons and auxiliary power units, upgrades to aircraft skin and frame, landing gear, pressurisation systems and modernised avionics designed to extend its service life beyond 2040.
Be sure to stay tuned to the CQ Plane Spotting Blog for all the latest news and updates on the movements of the mighty USAF C-5M Super Galaxy via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cqplanespotting/
Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Kayanne H for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos of the Super Galaxy arriving and loading at Rockhampton Airport!
All photos taken by Kayanne Hardsman ©
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