United States Navy (USN) Sikorsky MH-60S Seahawk 168546 / RB-05 of the Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 (HSC-25) 'Island Knights' Spotted at Rockhampton Airport as "Knightrider 05"

During a busy morning of military action as Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019 (TS19) continues, on Monday 15 July, United States Navy (USN) Sikorsky MH-60S Seahawk (Knighthawk) helicopter 168546 / RB-05 was spotted visiting Rockhampton Airport.  It was again heard to be using the radio callsign of "Knightrider 05".

It is believed that the Knighthawk arrived into Rockhampton Airport from the USS Wasp (LHD-1).  After a short time on the ground, it popped across to 'Camp Rocky' - the Australian Army Defence Support Group (DSG) camp adjacent to Rockhampton Airport - where it collected local and interstate media before departing back to the Ship.

The Knighthawk is flown by the Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 (HSC-25) "Island Knights" and is presently deployed and assigned with CVW-5 on board USS Wasp (LHD-1). It is also reported that the "Island Knights" squadron is based at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

Meanwhile, as shown in the photo above still at Rockhampton Airport, the two United States Navy (USN) Sikorsky MH-60S Seahawk (Knighthawk) helicopters that have been deployed to Rocky and identified as 167833 / NF-611 and 167871 / NF-621 of the Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12 (HSC-12) "Golden Falcons" also continued to complete 2-3 sorties each day from Rockhampton Airport to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and back flying as "Hunter 71 Flight".

Sincere thanks to local plane spotters Trevor H and Scott H who was at the right place at the right time and capturing these great photos!

Photos taken by Trevor Hardsman and Scott Harris  ©