Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 (TS23) - United States Air Force (USAF) Lockheed MC-130J Commando II Hercules Aircraft 20-5939 “Rogue 73” Spotted at Mackay Airport

On Wednesday 26 July, United States Air Force (USAF) Lockheed MC-130J Commando II Hercules aircraft 20-5939 was spotted visiting Mackay Airport.


It was heard to be flying as "Rogue 73" and looked to arrive from RAAF Base Richmond in New South Wales, via airwork in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).




At the time of writing, the Herc seems to be staying for the night at Mackay Airport.



As mentioned previously, the Herc is one of four in the country for Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 (TS23) flown by the USAF 1st Special Operations Squadron (1 SOS) which is part of the 353rd Special Operations Group at Kadena Air Base in Japan.

A second Herc 20-5946 was also due to visit the region but from what we tell, it didn't!

UPDATE!  Indeed after staying for the night, 20-5939 "Rogue 73" departed Mackay Airport early on Thursday 27 July for the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and then back to Richmond.

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

Photos taken by 'JM'  ©

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