A Pair of Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Boeing CH-47D Chinook Helicopters Arrive into Rockhampton Airport from Oakey

Certainly interesting to see that on Wednesday 21 October, a pair of Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Boeing CH-47D Chinook helicopters were photographed arriving into Rockhampton Airport, flying direct from their base at Oakey.

The CH-47D Chinook helicopters were identified wearing the serial numbers 88181 and 88182 and are two of five which deployed to the Oakey Army Aviation Centre some time ago following a deployment in the United States of America (USA).  These Chinooks have deployed to Rocky in previous years during the Singapore Armed Force's Exercise Wallaby.

Each Chinook helicopter were noted flying into Rockhampton Airport individually as "Cyclops 81" and "Cyclops 82".  At the time of writing, it appears that the RSAF Chinooks are still parked at Rockhampton Airport.

Of interest, the Chinook helicopters are flown by the RSAF's 127 Helicopter Squadron which is based at the Sembawang Air Base (SBAB) in Singapore, however as mentioned, with a detachment at Oakey.

The squadron goes by the motto of "Strength, Courage, Swiftness", the motto is supported by the squadron motif, a white horse in full battle armour.

Meanwhile, with Exercise Wallaby not being held around Rockhampton this year, the RSAF has deployed eight Boeing F-15SG 'Shikra' Strike Eagles and support aircraft to Darwin in the Northern Territory for an Exercise.

The RSAF F-15SG 'Shikra' Strike Eagles of 149 Squadron out of Paya Lebar Air Base are reportedly being supported by a heavily modified Gulfstream/IAI G550 AEW&C 'jaeger' aircraft along with Airbus A330-243 Multi Role Tanker Transport (A330-MRTT) aircraft to ferry the aircraft over from Singapore to Darwin.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotters Trevor H and Kayanne H for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

Photos taken by Trevor Hardsman and Kayanne Hardsman  ©