United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey 168681 (YZ-00) 'KONA41' Spotted at Rockhampton Airport Heading to Darwin

On Thursday 9 April, United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft with serial number 168681 (YZ-00) as 'KONA41' was spotted at Rockhampton Airport.

It arrived from Toowoomba-Wellcamp via overhead Miles and Theodore along the highway from Toowoomba to Mount Morgan and then departed to Mount Isa and Darwin.

Of interest, on Wednesday 8 April, KONA42 flew up to Darwin yesterday via Cloncurry Airport.

Photos taken by Darren Massie  ©

A Pair of United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Ospreys Spotted at Cloncurry Airport Heading to Darwin

On Wednesday 25 March, a pair of United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft were spotted passing through Cloncurry Airport.

The two Ospreys were identified as 168642 (YZ-04) and 168678 (YZ-07) and flew up as 'KONA91' from Toowoomba-Wellcamp to Cloncurry Airport and then Darwin.

They are two of four Ospreys 'stored' at Wellcamp that were designated to the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363 (VMM-363) ‘Lucky Red Lions’ (‘YZ’).

They have seemingly now been reassigned to the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 (VMM-268) (Reinforced) ‘Red Dragons' ('YQ') with 168642 since noted re-coded YQ-03 of VMM-268.

The remaining two Ospreys at Wellcamp are expected to also fly up to Darwin in the coming days where they will be part of this year's Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) Aviation Combat Element (ACE).

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Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 - United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell UH-1Y Venom (Super Huey) and Bell AH-1Z Cobra Helicopters 'FURY11' Pop into Rockhampton Airport

On Sunday 13 July, there was a nice early surprise pair of visitors into Rockhampton Airport in the form of United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell UH-1Y Venom (Super Huey) and Bell AH-1Z Cobra helicopters which flew together as 'FURY11'.

The UH-1Y Venom helicopter was identified as 168406 (EP-35) "JINTA" and the AH-1Z Cobra helicopter was identified as 169096 (EP-44).

Their exact movements are fully known but the two helicopters are believed to be part of a Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA-USA) from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), falling  under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 36 (MAG-36) and the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW).

They visited Rockhampton Airport twice during the day.

They are deployed to the United States Navy (USN) San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD-22).  It sails with the USS America (LHA-6) and USS Rushmore (LSD-47).

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

Photos taken by Steve Vit and 'IAD'  ©

Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk 'Romeo' naval combat helicopter N48-002 (Code 902) as "Poseidon 02" Spotted at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 11 July, Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk 'Romeo' naval combat helicopter N48-002 (Code 902) as "Poseidon 02" was photographed into Rockhampton Airport from RAAF Base Amberley.

It then departed to Townsville.

Helicorp (Australian Army) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YQJ as "Rescue 901" was also photographed arriving into Rockhampton Airport but from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre.

It too then departed to Townsville.

And Australian Army Boeing CH-47F Chinook helicopter A15-309 as "Stockman 11" was photographed departing Rockhampton Airport for the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) before returning later in the day.

In the afternoon, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-002 as "Envoy 57" landed at Bundaberg Airport from Townsville and a bit later departed to Canberra.

Late morning, United States Navy (USN) Boeing P-8A Poseidon with serial number 169567 was heard to be flying as "Shiner 11", arrived into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area from RAAF Base Amberley where it is currently deployed.  After completing some airwork in the Bay area, it departed back to Amberley.

As shown, the Poseidon also has an AN/APS-154 Advanced Airborne Sensor (AAS).

And late in the day United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lockheed KC-130J Hercules 170275 (Tail Code QB-0275) as "Sumo 97" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from RAAF Base Amberley.

Photos taken by Steve Vit and Richard Ennis  ©

United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey Tilt-rotor Aircraft 168655 (EP-08) 'ODIN22' at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 7 July, United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft 168655 (EP-08) was noted visiting Rockhampton Airport.

It was heard to be flying as 'ODIN22' and arrived from the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and then departed back there. It again visited Rockhampton Airport from there later in the day.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 7 July, Australian Army Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook helicopter A15-309 as "Stockman 12" arrived into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville.

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

All photos taken by Steve Vit  ©

Pair of Astra Aerospace / Air Affairs (Australia) LearJet 35A/36 Bizjets VH-VLJ and VH-SLJ Pop into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Sunday 6 July, a pair of Astra Aerospace / Air Affairs (Australia) LearJet 35A/36 bizjets were spotted passing through Rockhampton Airport.

LearJet 35A VH-VLJ as 'AJAX43' and VH-SLJ as 'AJAX01' both arrived into Rocky from HMAS Albatross at Nowra before then heading West.

Meanwhile, also on Sunday 6 July, Homada Pty Ltd Cessna 560XL Citation XLS bizjet VH-XCU flew up from Melbourne (Moorabbin) to Hamilton Island Airport before then flying back down to Melbourne (Essendon) and then back to Moorabbin.

While seemingly Australian based but American registered Eclipse Aviation EA550 Very Light jet (VLJ) bizjet N771MT was noted arriving into Emerald Airport from Gove before later departing the Sunshine Coast.

Gulf Coast Aviation Cessna 510 Citation Mustang bizjet VH-KXM popped into Longreach Airport, arriving from Tamworth and Bankstown before continuing up to Vanrook Station.

Mitchell Water Cessna 525 Citation M2 bizjet VH-WMY flew up from Gold Coast to the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour before then flying down to Melbourne (Moorabbin). 

And USA registered but possibly Malaysian based Diamond DA62 N118CY flew up from the Gold Coast to Hamilton Island Airport.

Finally, also on Sunday 6 July, United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lockheed KC-130J Hercules 167926 (Tail Code QD-7926) as "Sumo 96" flew up from Brisbane into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area and later returned to Brisbane.  It then flew up to Darwin.

Photos taken by Steve Vit  ©

United States Navy (USN) Sikorsky MH-60S Seahawk 167854 / RB-11 of the Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 (HSC-25) DET-6 'Archangels' Spotted at Rockhampton Airport as "Valkyrie 62"

On Saturday 5 July, United States Navy (USN) Sikorsky MH-60S Seahawk (Knighthawk) helicopter 167854 / RB-11 was spotted visiting Rockhampton Airport as "Valkyrie 62".  It arrived from the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and later departed back to there.

The Knighthawk is flown by the Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Two Five (HSC-25) DET-6 "Archangels" and is presently deployed on board USS America (LHA-6). It is also reported that the "Archangels" squadron is based at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

Meanwhile, also on Saturday 5 July, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-001 as "Dragon 20" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to a position North West of Rockhampton where it picked up a flight of four U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft.

The F-35s are assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and they departed from the US Navy amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). They flew across to Darwin with the RAAF MRTT as 'TYR51' / "Tier 51" and joined two other F-35B's from VMFA-242 which arrived from Japan during last week.

Finally, also on Saturday 5 July,  Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk 'Romeo' naval combat helicopter N48-013 (Code 913) was visited Bundaberg Airport.  It was heard to be flying as "Tiger 13".

UPDATE!   On Sunday 6 July, N48-013 'TIGR13' was noted at Hamilton Island Airport.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

Additional images from the US Department of Defense

United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey Tilt-rotor Aircraft 168655 (EP-08) 'ODIN21' Spotted at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 30 June, the lead-up to the combined Military Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 (TS25) continued with United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft 168655 (EP-08) spotted visiting Rockhampton Airport.

It looked to arrive from and then depart back to the United States Navy ship USS America and was heard to use the radio callsign of 'ODIN21'.

Of interest, the Osprey is of VMM-265 'Dragons' and is presently embarked on board the United States Navy (USN) amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6) which is in waters off Shoalwater Bay.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 30 June, United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lockheed KC-130J Hercules 170285 (Tail Code QD-0285) as 'SUMO88' flew up to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) from Brisbane. 

The Herc, which is of the Marine Aerial Refueller Transport Squadron 152 (VMGR-152) the "Sumos", is pictured (above) parked at Brisbane Airport before it then flew up to RAAF Base Darwin on Tuesday 1 July.

Finally, also on Monday 30 June, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Dassault Falcon 7X bizjet A56-001 as "Envoy 25" landed at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from Canberra and a bit later departed back to there.

Photos taken by Scott Harris and Dylan Hardie  ©

United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey Tilt-rotor Aircraft 168217 (EP-01) 'ODIN21' Spotted at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 27 June, the lead-up to the combined Military Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 (TS25) continued with United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft 168217 (EP-01) spotted visiting Rockhampton Airport.

It looked to arrive from and then depart back to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and was heard to use the radio callsign of 'ODIN21'.

Of interest, the Osprey is of VMM-265 'Dragons' and is presently embarked on board the United States Navy (USN) amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6) which is in waters off Shoalwater Bay.

Meanwhile, also on Friday 27 June, United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lockheed KC-130J Hercules 170285 as 'SUMO88' operated out off the coast from Shoalwater Bay while on a flight from and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

At the same time, fellow USMC KC-130J 170272 as 'HCLS51' flew up from Amberley to Port Moresby.

Plus United States Navy (USN) Lockheed KC-130T Hercules 162311 as "Bonow 405" flew up from Brisbane to Darwin.

Finally, on Thursday 26 June, it is believed that United States Navy (USN) Sikorsky MH-60S Seahawk (Knighthawk) helicopter 167873 / RB-01 visited Rockhampton Airport once again as "Valkyrie 62".

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

All photos taken by 'IAD'  ©

United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey 168220 / EP-00 "ODIN21" Pops into Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

Late on Tuesday 24 June, the attractive United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft 168220 / EP-00 was a surprise arrival into Rockhampton Airport.

US DoD Image...

It was believed to be conducting a medical evacuation flight from and back to the USS America (LHA-6) which is in waters off the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).

And fellow US Marines Lockheed Martin KC-130J as "Hercules 51" flew up from RAAF Base Amberley to complete air-to-air refuelling work off the Shoalwater Bay coast.  It then returned to Amberley.

And also on late on Tuesday 24 June,  Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-004 was noted completing airwork around Roma Airport while on a flight out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lockheed KC-130J Hercules 169227 (QD-9227) "Sumo 89" Calls into Rockhampton Airport

On Thursday 19 June, United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lockheed KC-130J Hercules 169227 (Tail Code QD-9227) was spotted arriving into Rockhampton Airport.

It was flying as "Sumo 89" and arrived from RAAF Base Amberley.

The Herc later departed to an Exercise area off South East Queensland for air-to-air refuelling ops before then returning to Amberley.

Of interest, 169227 (QD-9227) is flown by the Marine Aerial Refueller Transport Squadron 152 (VMGR-152) the "Sumos".

 

UPDATE!  On Friday 20 June, USMC KC-130J Hercules 169227 again as "Sumo 89" flew up from Amberley to offshore East of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and operated there for a while before returning to Amberley. 

Of interest, also on Friday 20 June, a pair of USMC Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft as 'ODIN21 FLT' were operating from the US Navy amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6) into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area and back.

There were also a pair of Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters flying in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area also from the USS America.  Online flight tracking websites suggest they were 165244 and 161540 and were flying as "THOR34 FLT".

Photo taken by Scott Harris  ©

United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lockheed Martin KC-130J Hercules 170284 (KB-0284) 'HCLS52' Pops into Rockhampton Airport

Late on Thursday 5 June, United States Marine Corps Lockheed Martin KC-130J Hercules with serial 170284 (KB-0284) as "Hercules 52" was noted arriving into Rockhampton Airport from Darwin. It later departed North to complete airwork at Townsville before landing a short time later. Of interest, it had arrived into Darwin from Okinawa in Japan earlier in the week.

While the combined military Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 is coming up next month, it seems this visit is in support of the deployment of USMC MV-22B Ospreys to Townsville and the smaller Exercise Southern Jackaroo which is reportedly underway in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).

The Herc is of the Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 153 (VMGR-153) "Hercules".  The squadron is a part of Marine Aircraft Group 24 (MAG-24), 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW) and provides both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aerial refuelling capabilities to support Fleet Marine Force (FMF) air operations in addition to assault air transport of personnel, equipment, and supplies.  VMGR-153 is stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

Photo taken by Mary Marshall  ©

Pilatus Australia (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS Pops into Mackay Airport - Plus More!

On Wednesday 4 June, Pilatus Australia (South Australia) Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet VH-DMS visited Mackay Airport from Cessnock.

File photo

While Seair Pacific / Istlecote Cessna 208 Caravan VH-TQI flew up from Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport to Middlemount Aerodrome.  It then flew down to Rockhampton Airport before continuing to Maryborough Airport and then back to Hervey Bay Airport.

Central Queensland Helicopter Rescue Service (CQ Rescue) / CQ Aeromedical Leonardo AW139 helicopter VH-XQ9 flew up from Archerfield to Mackay Airport via Gladstone Airport.

UPDATE!  On Thursday 5 June, fellow CQ Rescue AW139 helicopter VH-XQ8 flew down from Mackay Airport to Bundaberg Airport and Archerfield for service. 

And FlyPelican (Pelican Airlines) British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 3206 (Jetstream 32) turboprop aircraft VH-OTQ was noted visiting Emerald Airport from Archerfield via Toowoomba-Wellcamp as 'PE745/6'.

UPDATE!  VH-OTQ was spotted completing the same run on Thursday 5 June but as 'PE743/4'

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©

This seems to be a new permanent replacement for the recent flights over the same route that were operated by Southern Airlines Beech 1900C aircraft VH-VSO and VH-YSO. 

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 4 June, it was noted that Link Airways 'main' flights to Bundaberg and Biloela / Thangool Airports started using the "Linkair" (LR) flight numbers and callsigns. 

Finally, late on Wednesday 4 June, one or two United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft were noted completing a flight down to around the Nebo township.  They are presently deployed to Townsville and looked to fly down and then return to there.

A Pair of United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Ospreys Complete Missed Approaches at Mackay Airport

Late on Tuesday 13 May, a pair of United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft were noted completing missed approaches at Mackay Airport.  The pre-planned airwork was completed by the pair while flying down from Townsville and back - where these Ospreys are currently based.

The Ospreys were identified as 168687 (YZ-13) as "Lucky 12" and 168670 (YZ-21) as "Lucky 11" and are part of a deployment that flew across from Darwin to Townsville around a week earlier.  They are flown by the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363 (VMM-363) ‘Lucky Red Lions’ (‘YZ’) and form part of the latest Marine Rotational Force Darwin (MRF-D).

UPDATE!  On Thursday 15 May, 168670 (YZ-21) as "Lucky 21" was noted completing airwork at Bowen Aerodrome while on a flight out of and back to Townsville.

Photo taken by Ian Hitchcock  ©