Friday, June 30, 2017

US Army Boeing AH-64 Apache and Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters depart Gladstone

As highlighted in our previous post, thirteen United States Army military helicopters were shipped to and offloaded at Gladstone earlier this week, and after satisfying stringent Customs / Quarantine inspections, and also being restored to flying condition after their journey across the Pacific Ocean, were to be relocated (flown) to Townsville for participation in Talisman Saber 2017.

As expected, the helicopters departed Gladstone on Friday 30 June, and lifted-off in two separate batches one hour apart.

Comprising four Boeing AH-64 Apache and two Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk choppers, 'batch one' departed at 10.00am bound for Townsville via a stop at Mackay to take onboard fuel.

One hour later at 11.00am, 'batch two' comprising of seven remaining UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters also departed Gladstone, however, made a stop at Rockhampton before continuing to Mackay where they re-joined their counterparts for the final leg to Townsville.

Of interest, we were able to learn while talking to US military personnel at Gladstone that the helicopters will undertake pre-exercise training with Australian and other US military assets for approximately one week in north Queensland before relocating to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) near Rockhampton.

If by chance you missed our first post, here is the link gain :



























 










Thursday, June 29, 2017

US Army Boeing AH-64 Apache and Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters offloaded at Gladstone

Earlier this week, thirteen United States Army military helicopters were shipped to and offloaded at Gladstone, and when restored to flying condition, will relocate (fly) north to Townsville for participation in Talisman Saber 2017. At the time of posting, information indicates this is expected to occur on Friday 30 June.

Exact reasons why four Boeing AH-64 Apache and nine Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters were shipped to Gladstone and not transported directly to Townsville for unloading remains unclear, however, assume a lack of available berthing facilities at the north Queensland city at a time when preparations for 'TS17' is rapidly gaining traction may have something to do with it.

Also, given Rockhampton's close proximity to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA), it was assumed the US Army helicopters would only make the short flight from Gladstone to the beef capital where they will be based for the medium-high tempo military exercise.

But, it appears the helicopters may instead operate out-of Townsville. This inevitably raises another question - "to what extent will Mackay and Rockhampton Airports be utilised during Talisman Saber 2017"

Obviously answering this question remains premature, however, will likely become clearer in comings days. Stayed tuned !