United States Air Force (USAF) SOS Lockheed MC-130J Hercules 14-5793 "Pyro 11" Low Level Ops in Shoalwater Bay

On Friday 12 July, United States Air Force (USAF) Special Operations Squadron Lockheed MC-130J Hercules transport aircraft 14-5793 was heard to completing low-level operations within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).  It was on a flight from and back to Townsville (where it is based) and was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Pyro 11".

File photo

At one point, the Herc was heard to call up the Rockhampton Control Tower and request an approach at Rockhampton Airport however, it ended up cancelling this request in remain at Shoalwater Bay.

Of interest, two USAF MC-130J aircraft have been deployed to Townsville during joint Military Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019 (TS19).  The other MC-130J has been identified as 13-5775 and is a familiar airframe having spent time at Rockhampton Airport during Ex Talisman Saber 2017 (TS17).

Designated as a MC-130J Commando II, these Hercs are believed to be flown by the 17th Special Operations Squadron (17 SOS) which is part of the 353rd Special Operations Group at Kadena Air Base in Japan.

Photo taken by Kayanne Hardsman  ©