Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 (TS25) Kicks off in Spectacular Fashion in CQ - HIMARS Launch in Shoalwater Bay - Aust & US Aircraft and Helicopters at Rockhampton Airport

Australia’s largest bilateral military exercise, Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 (TS25), officially commenced over the weekend following an opening ceremony on board the Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Adelaide.   

Now in its 11th iteration, TS25 is the largest and most sophisticated warfighting exercise ever conducted in Australia.

Over the next three weeks, more than 35,000 military personnel from Australia and partnering nations will deploy across Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia, New South Wales and Christmas Island. For the first time, activities will also be conducted outside of Australia in Papua New Guinea.

In addition to the United States, forces from Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, and the United Kingdom will join as partners.

Malaysia and Vietnam will also attend as observers.

This year’s exercise will consist of live-fire exercises and field training activities, incorporating force preparation activities, amphibious landings, ground force manoeuvres, and air combat and maritime operations.

And on Monday 14 July, Australian Army soldiers, joined by U.S. Army artillerymen, fired their High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) for the first time, marking a significant upgrade to Australia’s long-range strike capabilities.

The HIMARS launch was the highlight of Monday’s live-fire event at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA), which also featured M777 howitzers from the U.S. Marine Corps and the Australian Army and South Korean tanks and self-propelled artillery.  F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters flew overhead during the event as AC/DC’s "Thunderstruck" played over loudspeakers.

Officers and other dignitaries and politicians were transported into Rockhampton Airport from Sydney (and Canberra) on board Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-003 as "Dragon 01" and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-001 as "Envoy 36".

They were then transported to the Bay on board two Australian Army CH-47F Chinook helicopters as "Stockman".  

They returned to the Australian Army District Support Unit (DSU) compound nearby to Rockhampton Airport before heading back out to the Bay and then back late to Rockhampton Airport.

While also arriving into Rockhampton Airport and staying on deployment was three Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) British Aerospace (BAe) Hawk 127 jets as 'PUMA51' which arrived from RAAF Base Williamtown.

They were identified as A27-01, A27-08,  and A27-23

And possibly as part of the deployment of the Hawks, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Search and Rescue (CHC Helicopters Australia / Lloyd Helicopters) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-SYZ as "Choppa 41" arrived into Rockhampton Airport yesterday and today completed a local flight.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 14 July, two formations of highly modified helicopters operated by the elite United States Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) passed through Rockhampton Airport, heading up to Townsville where multiple Special Operations helicopters will be deployed during the Exercise.

The first formation consisted of three Sikorsky MH-60M Blackhawks callsign "BOUNTY HUNTER 11" - which also passed through Mackay Airport - then following behind later this afternoon was a formation of two Boeing MH-47G Chinooks (19-02928 & 19-02929) callsign "THUNDER 21". 

They were also spotted arriving into Townsville.

A contingent of four new Australian Army UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters operated by 6 Aviation Regiment were spotted passing through Rockhampton Airport also heading to Mackay Airport and then Townsville.  A60-007 and A60-008 as "Justice" passed through first followed later by A60-002 and A60-011 as "Prophet".

Plus two The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Boeing CH-47F Chinook helicopters also passed through Rockhampton Airport also heading up to Townsville.  They were identified as 86000 and 86000 and arrived together as "Celtic" before departing separately as "Celtic" and "Cyclops".

All these helicopters join the two Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Bell CH-146 Griffon helicopters that arrived yesterday.

And United States Navy (USN) Sikorsky MH-60S Seahawk (Knighthawk) helicopter 167854 / RB-11 was spotted visiting Rockhampton Airport once again as "Valkyrie 62".

Finally, also on Monday 14 July, some other movements in association with Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 included Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-001 as "Wallaby 45" which had flown up from RAAF Base Amberley with other aircraft for a parachute drop, landed at Rockhampton Airport following the drop and then returned to Amberley.

Armée de l'Air (French Air Force) CASA CN-235-200M '105' (Code 62-1G) as "COTAM1161" completed low-level operations in an area out to sea North of Mackay after flying up from RAAF Base Amberley.

Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Boeing P-8A Poseidon NZ4801 as 'EVRST73' was noted operating out of Townsville.

While Australian Army Boeing Insitu RQ-21 Blackjack (company name Integrator), unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) have been see on online flight tracking sites flying in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).  They have been noted as A61-007 (7CFB0C) as HYDRA07 and today A61-003 (7CFB08) as SPYRO03 and A61-006 (7CFB0B ) as SPYRO06.

And the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) Airbus A400M Atlas transport aircraft serial 54+14 as 'GAF61' was due to visit Rockhampton Airport from Townsville.

Finally, also on Monday 14 July, maybe not associated with the Exercise was Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-004 as "Wedgetail 03" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete a missed approach at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and another at Emerald Airport before then returning to Williamtown.

 

Sincere thanks to the local plane spotters for their help in preparing this post!

Photo taken by Trevor Hardsman, Steve Vit and Glenn Lloyd  ©

U.S. Army Boeing MH-47G Block II Chinook Helicopters 21-02928 and 21-02929 as ‘ARMY928’ Pass Through Rockhampton Airport

On Wednesday 18 June, two U.S. Army Boeing MH-47G Block II Chinook helicopters were noted flying down from Townsville to land at Rockhampton Airport.

After taking on fuel, they were photographed departing to RAAF Base Amberley, before they later continued to the Gold Coast for the night.  Both Chinooks have ended up continuing further South and were spotted later in the week arriving into RAAF Base Williamtown.

The two Chinooks were identified as 21-02928 and 21-02929 and were heard to be flying as ‘ARMY928’.

These highly modified Chinooks are flown by the US Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) (Airborne) known as the "Night Stalkers", 4th Battalion based out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.  They are utilised for a variety of specialised attack, assault, and reconnaissance missions.

The "Night Stalkers" are returning for their third consecutive iteration of Exercise Talisman Sabre, and are expected to remain in the country over the coming weeks with the exercise officially starting on Sunday 13 July.

Photos taken by Steve Vit and Zac Mason  ©

Stirling Helicopters Take Delivery of Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk Helicopter N137WZ at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 15 June, a nice arrival into Rockhampton Airport in form of Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter N137WZ which arrived at the locally-based Stirling Helicopters hangar.

N137WZ touched down at Rocky from Bankstown, flying up via Port Macquarie, Brisbane and Bundaberg Airports - originally departing three days earlier.

Research reveals that N137WZ is a former US Army Black Hawk that wore the serial 84-24002 (MSN 70843).

It was shipped across from the USA to the docks at Sydney before being trucked to Bankstown where it was re-built and test flown prior to its delivery flight.

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Over the next week or so, it is reported that N137WZ will undertake a series of test and training flights out of Rockhampton Airport to the Hedlow Airfield where it will also complete water drops in preparation for it to join the aerial firefighting fleet in Australia (and maybe overseas?).

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 15 June, Mineralogy Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express 6000 bizjet VH-VQN was noted departing Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport for Brisbane and Sydney. It had arrived the previous day from Brisbane.

The Mineralogy Agusta A119 'Koala' helicopter VH-KOL was also noted flying out of and back to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.

And Armada Aviation (of Ringwood in Victoria) Pilatus PC-12/45 turboprop VH-XAQ flew into Charleville Airport from Bankstown. It then departed to Winton.

Finally, also on Saturday 14 June, Stroud Aviation and Transportation (Boonah) / Navair Flight Operations Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-SHI as "Navair 173" visited Bundaberg Airport from Archerfield.

Photo taken by Nathan Pawley  ©

After a Week of Aerial Surveying American-registered Beechcraft B300 King Air 350 N35GA Departs Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 6 June, American-registered Beechcraft B300 King Air 350 N35GA departed Rockhampton Airport for Darwin.  It had arrived into Rocky from Darwin at the beginning of the week and spent the last few days completing aerial survey flights over the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).  

Indeed reports suggest that the Super King Air is operated on behalf of the United States Department of Defence - United States Army.

While Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZSY as "Machflight 11" visited Rockhampton Airport again.  It arrived from Cairns via Townsville and then departed to Cairns, 

NSW based CJF Pastoral Company Textron T206H VH-KWX arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Archerfield and then departed to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport. 

And Emma McDonald's Zivko Edge 540 V2 N540MH flew a flight out to the North East and back to Rockhampton Airport. 

Finally, also on Friday 6 June, Brenzil Dassault Aviation Falcon 7X bizjet VH-CRW flew into Hamilton Island Airport from Bankstown and Brisbane.  It then flew down to Archerfield and Sydney.

And Edwards Coaches Cessna 525 Citation CJ1 bizjet VH-KXL flew up to Hamilton Island Airport from Armidale and Sydney.  It later returned to Armidale.

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

Private American-registered Beechcraft B300 King Air 350 N35GA Arrives into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 3 June, an interesting arrival into Rockhampton Airport in the form of American-registered Beechcraft B300 King Air 350 N35GA which touched down from Darwin.  It is believed that the Super King Air is operating aerial survey flights in the Top End on behalf of the United States Department of Defence - United States Army.

N35GA at Darwin Airport  (File photo)

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 4 June, N35GA departed Rockhampton Airport and flew up into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) where it completed aerial survey work.  It looked to then return to Rockhampton Airport.

While before dawn, the Queensland Government (State of Queensland) Beech B300 King Air 350i VH-8TT operated an aerial survey flight to the South-East of Rockhampton. 

American Registered but Australian based Pilatus PC-12/47E N81DW flew up from Archerfield to a property west of Thangool and a bit later flew across to Rockhampton Airport. 

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 4 June, N81DW departed Rockhampton Airport for a property near Thangool and then another near Middlemount and then onwards to Isisford and Longreach Airport.

And Kelsall P/L (Aeronautics and Technology Holdings) Pilatus PC-12/45 VH-PID, which yesterday flew up from Archerfield to Longreach Airport and then into the Northern Territory, flew back from the West, landing at a property half way between border and Boulia before it was then noted heading back towards Archerfield. 

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 3 June, McDermott Aviation Group / Machjet International Cessna 525A CitationJet CJ2 bizjet VH-SUY as "Machflight 86" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane and a bit later it departed to Winton, Longreach and Cairns Airports.  Of interest, fellow Machjet International Beech B200 King Air VH-ZSY as "Machflight 55" visited Rockhampton Airport on Monday 2 June from Cairns via Townsville.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 4 June, VH-SUY "Machflight 86" departed Cairns for Townsville and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.  It then flew down to Brisbane and then the Sunshine Coast.

Australian Country Choice Properties / Aero Corporate Charters P/L (Brisbane) Cessna 525B CitationJet CJ3 bizjet VH-ACC visited Hamilton Island Airport from Archerfield.

And Robindale Group / Air Link Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-CMK flew into Emerald Airport from Orange, the Sunshine Coast and Bundaberg Airport.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 5 June, VH-CMK departed Emerald Airport for Bundaberg Airport and then the Sunshine Coast and Orange.

Photo taken by Mary Marshall  ©

Three Australian Army Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook Helicopters Arrive into Rockhampton Presumably to Head to TC Alfred Clean-up Zone

On Saturday 8 March, three Australian Army Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook helicopters were photographed after they had arrived into the Australian Army Defence Support Unit (DSU) camp adjacent to Rockhampton Airport from Townsville.  They were identified as A15-312, A15-313 and A15-314 and were heard to be using the radio callsign of "Chainsaw".

Of interest, these three Chinooks are part of the four 'additional' Chinook helicopters that have entered service with C Squadron, 5th Aviation Regiment, in Townsville.  It is possibly the first time we've seen at least A15-313 and A15-314 in the region since they were delivered to the Australian Army in Townsville in 2021 from US Army Stocks via a USAF C-5M Galaxy transport aircraft.

UPDATE!  On Monday 10 March, all three Chinooks departed the DSU near Rockhampton Airport and flew down to the Oakey Army Aviation Centre.

Sincere thanks to local photographer Steve V for allowing us to share these great photos!

All photos taken by Steve Vit  ©️

Conair Aerial Firefighting Dash-8-Q400MR C-FFQE - Plus Aerotech UH-60A Black Hawk Helicopter VH-UHR - Both Arrive into Bundaberg Airport for the 2023 Bushfire Season

On Tuesday 29 August, Canadian-based Conair Aerial Firefighting Dash-8-Q400MR C-FFQE was spotted soon after arriving into Bundaberg Airport ahead the upcoming Queensland bushfire season. It touched down direct from Melbourne (Avalon) where it has been stored since February.

This is the fourth year that the Canadian aircraft and crew members of the Large Air Tanker (LAT) have been deployed to Bundaberg Airport, meaning the state will again not have to borrow aircraft from other states to fight dangerous bushfires.

Again this year, the Dash-8 will be based at Bundaberg Airport and take up the radio callsign of "Bomber 141".  It will be based in Bundaberg for Queensland’s bushfire season and will be sent to Victoria again for its fire season, which coincides with Queensland’s wet season.

The Dash-8 has a 670km/h travel time meaning the bomber can quickly reach other parts of the state if needed, potentially saving lives and communities all over Queensland. It is able to fly the 300-kilometre direct journey from Bundaberg to Brisbane in 30 minutes at top speed.

Meanwhile, also noted arriving into Bundaberg Airport, also on Tuesday 29 August, was a new aerial firefighting helicopter to make a first first into the region in the form of Aerotech Aircraft Holdings (Aerotech Helicopters) Pickering Aviation (Sikorsky) UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter VH-UHR.

It arrived from its Adelaide (Parafield) base via Mildura, Griffith, Dubbo, Moree, Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast.  It looks to be assigned the radio callsign of "Helitak 516".

Of interest, the Black Hawk is one of four acquired by Aerotech that were previously flown by the United States Army.  VH-UHR (Serial 70-343) was previously flown as 81-23621 with US Army Aviation and was reportedly flown by Company C, 1-168th AVN, California Army National Guard.

VH-UHR was registered and delivered to Aerotech at Parafield in January this year.  It was noted that the Black Hawk carried the US registration marking N60004 before having the Australian registration marking VH-UHR applied to its side prior to delivery.

VH-UHR is the 3rd flyable UH-60 for Aerotech and will eventually join sisterships VH-UHG and VH-UHS in service.  There's a 4th Black Hawk that was delivered to Aerotech in 2022 that is to be used for spare parts for the others.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 31 August, Agair Logistics P/L Gulfstream Aerospace (AeroCommander) 695-A JetProp 1000 VH-LMC "Birddog 125" was noted arriving into Bundaberg Airport from Stawell in Victoria.  It is assumed that it will again provide airborne support for C-FFQE - and possibly VH-UHR - during this coming bushfire season.

Photos taken by Jan Kretschmer, Hayden Matthew Alexander and Daniel Gorza  ©

The End of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 (TS23) Sees the 13 US Army Apache, Blackhawk and Chinook Helicopters Arrive Back to the Gladstone Port for Shipping Out - via Mackay Airport

On Thursday 10 August and Friday 11 August, it appears that the 13 helicopters of the United States Army (US Army) that participated in the joint military Exercise Talisman Sabre (TS23) flew back down from Townsville to the Gladstone Port where they will be prepared for and then shipped back out to the United States of America.

On Thursday, it is believed that the three Boeing AH-64E Apaches and a four Boeing CH-47F Chinooks all flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport and then the Gladstone Port.

As previously mentioned, the Apaches were identified as 20-03317, 20-03326, and 20-03332, while the Chinooks were identified as 17-08232, 17-08226, 17-08225 and 16-08480.

Also on Thursday, the four Sikorsky UH-60M Blackhawk helicopters also flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport and then the Gladstone Port, flying as "Crazy Hawk 11".  

As previously mentioned, these Blackhawks were identified as 14-20649, 11-20340, 14-20653, and 13-20571.

Finally, on Friday 11 August, the three Sikorsky HH-60M medevac Blackhawk helicopters also flew down from Townsville to Mackay Airport and then the Gladstone Port.  Also as previously mentioned, these were identified as 20-21134, 20-21135 and 21-21195).

As we posted at the beginning of the Exercise, these 13 helicopters are of the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade from Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington State, USA.

The UH-60M Blackhawks are of the 2nd Battalion 158th Aviation Regiment 'Warhawks', while the HH-60M Blackhawks and CH-47 'Foxtrot' Chinook helicopters are of the 1st Battalion 52nd Aviation Regiment.  The AH-64E Apaches are of the 1st Battalion 229th Aviation Regiment.  Altogether, they formed Task Force 'Griffin'.

UPDATE!  All the helicopters sat in storage until Monday 28 August when they were loaded on board the the United States Navy (USN) large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off ship (LMSR) USNS Bob Hope (T-AKR 300).

Earlier, it is believed that a large amount of vehicles and tanks were off-loaded from the USNS Bob Hope.  They appear to have then been loaded later that night on board the Panamanian-flagged vehicles carrier 'Polaris Highway'.

Nice!

Photos and video taken by Crisp Dylan and Jamie C  ©