Some Photos of RAAF C-17A Globemaster III Airdrop for Australian Army Exercise Diamond Run Being Held in Shoalwater Bay Training Area

On Friday 3 November, Rockhampton photographer Russell P was invited to watch on as Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-206 "Stallion 07" completed an airdrop of supplies into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) as a part of the Australian Army Exercise Diamond Run.

The complex airdrop activity involved personnel and equipment from the Australian Defence Force's 176 Air Dispatch Squadron, the RAAF's 36 Squadron, the Army's 7th Combat Service Support Battalion and the Army's 9th Force Support Battalion.  The airdrop provided tactical resupply to forward Army units participating the Exercise.

Another airdrop was completed on Saturday 4 November again by RAAF C-17A Globemaster III A41-206 "Stallion 07".

Exercise Diamond Run is the largest military exercise of the year for the Army's 7th Brigade.  It was the first time the Combat Brigade live fires its new M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks, which it received in September, marking the realisation of the Australian Army’s Plan Beersheba. 

The exercise will also see 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment put through its paces on its road to becoming the Australian Army’s Ready Battle Group for short notice operations next year.

Exercise Diamond Run involves over 1600 soldiers from 7th Brigade and supporting units as well as 40 personnel from the Singapore Armed Forces who are taking part in bilateral training with the Brigade.

All photos taken by Russell Prothero  ©