Talisman Sabre 2011 - some interesting birds around at present

[markis10]

If your travelling to QLD or NT this week, keep an eye on the apron of many airports for some unusual sights while exercise Talisman Sabre is on:

Townsville is currently hosting some Marine Hornets, as well as a couple of KC130s, currently parked near the terminal is a MC130P Combat Shadow (special forces refueller).
Rocky is getting a lot of action, interestingly a QF767 had to unload on a taxiway last week as the apron was full with an Alliance F100 going US taking up room. Wedgetails have also been seen doing touch and go's.
Darwin is hosting 6 F15's and also has an aircraft carrier sitting offshore (CVN-73), so expect the odd greyhound or prowler to visit!

 

[Groundfeeder]

I spent last weekend in ROK with Mrs GF and indeed ROK airport looks like Amberley.

Many Blackhawks, Tigers, Seahawks parked adjacent to RWY22 grass and C-17's arriving and departing all day. The terminal was a sea of khaki (Aus) and light grey (US) camo fatigues.

When we departed Monday nite there was constant prop noise from C-130's coming and going so that it was difficult to pick the usual Crash-8 terminal arrival.

By the way, what have they done to the ROK QP, as the number of chairs seem to have been reduced and Mrs GF noted how bland and boring the little room was, and well below the usual standard - upgrade to happen?

 

[MatF]

Not sure if it's related, or if they're normally based there, but there were two Wedgetails on the ground at NTL mid last week.

 

[markis10]

Not sure if it's related, or if they're normally based there, but there were two Wedgetails on the ground at NTL mid last week.

The wedgetails home base is NTL while the MRTTs live at AMB.

 

[MatF]

Ahh, well, there you go

Interesting looking aircraft - I had to do a double take until I realised what they were.

 

[markis10]

"Darwin Tower - this is Ghostrider request flyby?"

"Negative Ghostrider - the pattern is full ( of Eagles and KC135s)!"

 

[awilcockson]

This makes me

There was talk recently that I might have been on site supporting the RAAF for this year's exercise. Oh well, maybe next time.

 

[docjames]

Thanks for the pics, those KC-135s look wicked with the larger engines compared to the originals!

 

[markis10]

Thanks for the pics, those KC-135s look wicked with the larger engines compared to the originals!

Those pics were off my phone as we taxied past on QF825 this afternoon, as usual I left the decent camera at home. Its been a good week with the Navy F18s and some unusual hercs at Townsville. Its not every week you have a chance to see 3 out of the 5 aircraft types worldwide that have done more than 50 years in active service!

Nice also to see a 38 SQN 'bou out the front of RAAF Townsville, the Neptunes are not so lonely now!