As mentioned below, five Boeing AH-64E Apache and eight Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters were unloaded from a ship at the Gladstone Port during the last week. Their rotor blades were re-attached and test flights were conducted before they started taking to the air on Saturday 29 June to fly up to Rockhampton Airport - see Blog post below!
Research reveals these 13 helicopters are of the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade from Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington State, USA.
The UH-60M Blackhawks are of the 2nd Battalion 158th Aviation Regiment 'Warhawks', while the UH-60L Blackhawks are of the 1st Battalion 52nd Aviation Regiment. The AH-64E Apaches are of the 1st Battalion 229th Aviation Regiment. Altogether, they have formed Task Force 'Tigershark'.
They were joined by UH-60M Blackhawk helicopter (**-)20401 which later returned back down to the Gladstone Port before flying back to Rockhampton Airport yet again during the later part of the afternoon.
It was then joined by another AH-64E Apache helicopter (18-03200) 83200.
Along with the previous arrivals, this sees four Blackhawks and four Apaches currently parked at Rockhampton Airport.
While down at the Gladstone Port, the remaining Blackhawks and Apaches remain in their secure compound, along with some other ground equipment and vehicles. It is expected that some more, or all, of these will position to Rockhampton Airport in the coming days.
Sincere thanks to the local plane spotters for their information and photos to be able to prepare this post!
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All photos taken by Daniel Bishop ©
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