Wednesday, July 21, 2021

United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lockheed KC-130J Hercules 168075 (QD-8075) "Sumo 87" Completes Airwork at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 21 July, United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lockheed KC-130J Hercules 168075 (Tail Code QD-8075) was spotted again in the region, this time photographed completing airwork at Rockhampton Airport.


The Herc was flying as "Sumo 87" and had earlier flown down from Townsville to complete exercises off Fraser Island and flew up to Rocky from there.  At Rockhampton Airport, it completed several touch-and-go approaches before eventually landing for fuel.


"Sumo 87" then departed Rockhampton Airport and returned to the exercise area off Fraser Island before then returning direct to Townsville.

Also on Wednesday 21 July, sistership and fellow USMC Lockheed KC-130J Hercules 169227 (Tail Code QD-9227) "Sumo 86" also flew down from Townsville and was photographed and videoed completing a touch-and-go at Bundaberg Airport.  It then returned to Townsville.



It appears that both Hercs have changed their callsigns around today!

Of interest, the two Hercs have been deployed to Townsville during joint Military Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 (TS21) and are flown by the Marine Aerial Refueller Transport Squadron 152 (VMGR-152) the "Sumos".


Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 21 July, the now becoming familiar sight of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-008 "Wallaby 01" looked to fly down from Townsville out to Emerald Airport where it completed a missed approach before flying further down to RAAF Base Amberley.

Finally, earlier on Wednesday 21 July, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft A41-208 "Stallion 16" departed Rockhampton Airport for Townsville.  It had arrived from there the previous afternoon - see Blog post below!

Sincere thanks to the local plane spotters for allowing us to share these great photos and video!

Photos and video taken by Steve Vit, Dan Beck Photography and Peter Sajko  ©

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