USAF ANG F-16s & KC135s WILLIAMTOWN FEB 2011 [Archive]

Sean W

12th February 2011, 09:50 AM

Iowa Air Guard Heads To Australia For Training

Iowa's Air National Guard is going to conduct one of its most important operations in history. Officials said eight F-16s, dozens of airmen, 88 short tons of equipment and A C-5 Galaxy will depart Des Moines beginning this weekend. Des Moines-based fighter pilots will fly to Australia to conduct Operation Sentry Down Under, a training program for their Australian counterparts

News Item Video Located on this link
http://www.kcci.com/news/26814148/detail.html

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-ia-iowaguard-austral,0,2756206.story

Stephen Brown

12th February 2011, 02:38 PM

They're going to get hosed.....

Greg McDonald

14th February 2011, 07:29 AM

They're going to get hosed.....

As they always do!! Will the yanks ever learn??

Stephen B

14th February 2011, 07:46 AM

Tell 'em to come down to Canberra! I've never seen a real live Lawn dart!

Jeff T

15th February 2011, 06:30 PM

Anyone know if the F-16's are at Williamtown yet?

Cheer's,
Jeff.

Mick.B

15th February 2011, 09:10 PM

Later in the week I would say. The didnt leave until Monday our time and are going via Guam so it will take a few days. Maybe even the weekend.

Jeff T

15th February 2011, 09:24 PM

Thanks for that Mick!

Cheer's,
Jeff.

Jaryd stock

17th February 2011, 05:21 PM

Due in at 20:00 is a C-17 from Pago Pago could be the strart of the yanks arriving for there three week stint.

Jaryd stock

18th February 2011, 07:48 AM

Here comes the big girl due in at 10:30 from pago pago a C-5M.

Darren Mottram

18th February 2011, 01:20 PM

I knew I should have come back here as soon as I started hearing rumors. :)

Anyone have an update on the F-16 arrival?

Cheers,
Motty.

Jaryd stock

18th February 2011, 01:42 PM

Darren the KC-135 is arriving at 19:30 so expect the vipers close behind it arriving from Guam

Jaryd stock

18th February 2011, 02:01 PM

C-130 due at 4:30 also getting a bit busy there today.

Jaryd stock

18th February 2011, 03:41 PM

Viper's arriving at 18:00 the KC-135R push back to 20:00...

Darren Mottram

18th February 2011, 03:49 PM

Thank you very much for the info guys.

The weather here is starting to look a bit second rate but I might find a spot for a look anyway.

Cheers,
Motty.

Gerard M

18th February 2011, 03:51 PM

Vipers PINE31, formation should be if not already on approach? Anyone confirm?

RCH999 57-2606 should be KC-135.

Look out for KC-10's RCH091 and RCH081 as well. Not sure if there is enough space for them all or if they will land at an alternate airport.

Edit: The second flight of 4, PINE41 are not too far off now.

Darren Mottram

18th February 2011, 03:57 PM

Ahhhh bugger!!! They're just flying past now! Missed them!

:mad:

Thanks for the info anyway.

Cheers,
Motty.

Darren Mottram

18th February 2011, 06:51 PM

Well, I headed out after my post about the first batch, as it didn't sound like there were eight of them.

I was lucky enough to catch a second batch of three.

http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af92/Macchi70/Iowa-F-16s/Mottys-Photo_2011_02_18_5502-LR-001.jpg

http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af92/Macchi70/Iowa-F-16s/Mottys-Photo_2011_02_18_5471-LR-001.jpg

http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af92/Macchi70/Iowa-F-16s/Mottys-Photo_2011_02_18_5560-LR-001.jpg

Sorry for the poor pix. I hope to get better ones while they are here.

Thanks again to everyone for the info and help.

Cheers,
Motty.

Mick.B

18th February 2011, 07:09 PM

Spare seat in the 2 seater. Make you cry.

Scott K

19th February 2011, 03:40 PM

Started with a KC135 tanker than the "Galaxy" then the first 4 F16s at 18:00 followed by the last 4 F16s around 1/2 hour later. The second KC135 tanker come in just on dark. I was a good site.:)

Scott K

19th February 2011, 03:49 PM

The "Galaxy" took off from Williamtown at 12:00 using runway 3 zero. What an awesome sight looking from our back veranda.

phil.l

19th February 2011, 04:22 PM

Thanks to Richard, KC-10's went to Cairns.

matthew mcdonald

19th February 2011, 04:30 PM

I was transitting through Cairns today at about 5am from Tokyo and noticed both the KC-10's parked side by side to the right of gate 4.

phil.l

19th February 2011, 04:41 PM

KC-10's are reported as 79-1951 and 86-0029

matthew mcdonald

19th February 2011, 07:07 PM

That's correct Phil, they were the ones.

Darren Mottram

20th February 2011, 03:32 PM

For anyone coming up to Willietown for the F-16s next week. If you're lucky, you might also be able to catch this on Monday or Tuesday.
http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af92/Macchi70/T-6C%20Texan%20II/Mottys-Photo_2011_02_19_6268-LR-1-001.jpg

Cheers,
Motty.

Bernie P

20th February 2011, 04:49 PM

SPEAKING of Williamtown, I was up there yesterday to see the C17 and the C5 Galaxy depart... It was HOT up there, and these pics were taken from the 'Ob's Deck' of the Fighter Museum! It was SUCH a pity it was a rwy 30, had it been 12, it would have been a LOT better!

The lovely staff in the cafe where we had some lunch, was telling us about the excercises at the end of the week, but alas, work and then a trip down to WOI on the weekend makes it near impossible to get back up there...

'Mississippi': 3-3113
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5297/5460798338_dc0d8c0f38_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5137/5460799308_e4e84cf378_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5295/5460195089_cb73eccb3c_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5139/5460196509_990019c75c_b.jpg

C-5 Galaxy 9019: This was ONE BIG DUDE!

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5175/5460197883_c85be5ed4c_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5220/5460803918_8f0d29f1b9_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5016/5460806916_61df4afa4f_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5179/5460807804_d7ba9b9978_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5058/5460202869_d11a3378c0_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5294/5460808922_c6c057b1f8_b.jpg

Shayne G

20th February 2011, 05:24 PM

I was under the impression that the C-5 would be one with the newer engines, it must of been good to hear the older engines you got! :D

AdamC

20th February 2011, 05:59 PM

C5 would have been impressive to see.

Just a question how many of these aircraft are doing the avalon airshow?

Cheers

phil.l

20th February 2011, 07:41 PM

Nice photo's Bernie.

Bernie P

20th February 2011, 07:59 PM

Thanks guys, and as for the sweet sound we heard, there was a very remarkable 'whistle' both the first time it spooled up, and then about a minute or so later, when it spooled up and rolled down!

Thanks to Nick for the heads up as well!!

Scott K

20th February 2011, 08:14 PM

What is this Hawker Beechcraft Raytheon T6 - 3000 (experimental) doing at BAE Williamtown?

Mick.B

20th February 2011, 08:19 PM

On its way to Avalon.

patrick woodward

21st February 2011, 10:34 AM

Hi there,

The US jets are they due to fly all this week? Thinking of a trip up that way Thursday for a little look...

Cheers

Mick.B

22nd February 2011, 05:34 PM

I recon you would see them on Thursday. The flying is quite active during these exercises.

A McLaughlin

23rd February 2011, 08:37 AM

What is this Hawker Beechcraft Raytheon T6 - 3000 (experimental) doing at BAE Williamtown?

The T-6 is doing a bit of a sales tour for Raytheon and BAE Systems who are offering it for the Air 5428 Pilot Training System (PC-9 replacement). It will visit Wiliamtown, Sale and Pearce to coincide with Avalon.

andrew evans

23rd February 2011, 10:15 AM

Any movement yet up at Willy town ????

Chris Primmer

23rd February 2011, 11:10 AM

F16's have been up today. Mostley as F18 & F16 combine. KC135 also been up. KC135 Looked nice today with a sun out runway 12 Departure. Also Wegtail 003 took off.

Tomorrow should be better with a westerly breeze allowing 30 activities

ChrisP

andrew evans

23rd February 2011, 01:30 PM

awesome i will be coming up tomorrow.approx what time did they start flying today.cheers

Chris Primmer

23rd February 2011, 07:51 PM

They have been starting around 9:30 - 10am

I've included some pics.

Awesome take off speed with these things!

ChrisP

Scott K

23rd February 2011, 09:43 PM

I was up there yesterday & just missed F16s but a 2OCU Hornet had to make an emergency landing after a bird strike all happened quickly landed with one engine. Hate to have seen what would have happened if it was a F35.:(

Peter Agatsiotis

23rd February 2011, 10:47 PM

Not sure if this ended up at Willy around 12:30, USAF B737 05-4613 with call sign SPAR10.
If not, may have gone to CBR?

Tim Bowrey

24th February 2011, 04:35 AM

Not sure if this ended up at Willy around 12:30, USAF B737 05-4613 with call sign SPAR10.
If not, may have gone to CBR?

Landed RWY35 at CBR at about 12:30 yesterday afternoon reportedly from WLG on Jetspotter. Should be in SYD this afternoon about 5pm.

Peter Agatsiotis

24th February 2011, 06:52 AM

Thanks Tim; any idea how long it will stay?

Brian Hoy

24th February 2011, 09:12 AM

The Beechcraft T6 is presently doind circuits at Tamworth.

Jayden Laing

24th February 2011, 11:06 AM

The USAF 737 is due into Sydney at 5:10pm today from Canberra

Tim Bowrey

24th February 2011, 11:25 AM

The USAF 737 is due into Sydney at 5:10pm today from Canberra

Read above Jaydo;) Not sure Pete sorry. It was only in CBR for just over 24hrs.

Jayden Laing

24th February 2011, 12:12 PM

SACL website shows it under international arrivals as "USA10" from Canberra scheduled for 5:10pm but estimated at 4pm.:confused:

http://www.sydneyairport.com.au/SACL/International-Arrivals.html?date=24/02/2011&results=1000

Shayne G

24th February 2011, 02:20 PM

Just incase anyone didn't notice on the SACL site, it should depart to Pago Pago at 8am on the 26th :)

Darren Mottram

24th February 2011, 09:01 PM

Got 'em! :D

Six of the seven jets went up this morning. The wind was favorable and the sun came out at just the right time. :D
http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af92/Macchi70/Iowa-F-16s/Mottys-Photo_2011_02_24_7225-LR-1-001.jpg

http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af92/Macchi70/Iowa-F-16s/Mottys-Photo_2011_02_24_6963-LR-1-001.jpg

http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af92/Macchi70/Iowa-F-16s/Mottys-Photo_2011_02_24_6928-LR-1-001.jpg

http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af92/Macchi70/Iowa-F-16s/Mottys-Photo_2011_02_24_6893-LR-1-001.jpg

http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af92/Macchi70/Iowa-F-16s/Mottys-Photo_2011_02_24_6864-LR-1-001.jpg

http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af92/Macchi70/Iowa-F-16s/Mottys-Photo_2011_02_24_7257-LR-1-001.jpg

And the tanker.
http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af92/Macchi70/Iowa-F-16s/Mottys-Photo_2011_02_24_6818-LR-1-001.jpg

Hoping it's just as good tomorrow.

Cheers,
Motty.

Nigel C

26th February 2011, 06:30 AM

Just incase anyone didn't notice on the SACL site, it should depart to Pago Pago at 8am on the 26th :)

Getting readied now for departure soon. Info also posted in Corporate Movements thread for those that don't read this thread.

Scott K

26th February 2011, 01:32 PM

Have u herd a story that the F22's may call in at Williamtown on their way to or from the Avalon airshow?:)

Jaryd stock

26th February 2011, 03:10 PM

Scott K

26th February 2011, 06:10 PM

I will keep my eyes and ears on the sky we are under the flight path for 12.

Paul f.

26th February 2011, 07:59 PM

Yes have heard that, B-52,Vipers,B-1,KC-10 as well as a E-3 arrived all from Guam at Avalon today. No word on Raptor's but when the fighters come down there all bunched together normally to stay with the Tankers. It would make sense I don't think the yanks would want there prized jet sitting in a paddock with lax security compared to a opperating base... So willy could get some visitors tonight as the Raptor's will be from Guam with AK tail code...It dosnt make sense what you are saying about security,last time i checked Avalon was a international airport with full security not a paddock and why do you think everything has to go via Willy.

AaronBradford

26th February 2011, 10:54 PM

It dosnt make sense what you are saying about security,last time i checked Avalon was a international airport with full security not a paddock and why do you think everything has to go via Willy.

The poster above didn't say AVV had little security, but said it was lacking compared to an operating Royal Australian Air Force base. Which would you think would be more secure? ;)

Oh, and FYI there are no current scheduled international passenger flights to/from AVV and it does not have an international terminal/customs (although AirAsia X has the rights to fly to AVV I beleive).

Jaryd stock

26th February 2011, 11:42 PM

It dosnt make sense what you are saying about security,last time i checked Avalon was a international airport with full security not a paddock and why do you think everything has to go via Willy.

Paul as Aaron said compared to a RAAF base Avalon does have lax security, once the international militay arrive the ADF take over the night watch and the local police and private security look after it during the day as I have observed.

Mate I've gone on trade days to two airshows and no word of a lie there were no guards at the main gate and I walked straight through no one stopped me. As regards Willy there was an extra tanker that arrived on Friday night or so I've been told and the tower was open later than normal tonight.

At RIAT last year the F-22's were parked away from the crowds and put in the hangers it only came out to do it's solo, then straight back in the sheds it went so going by that I don't think they would want there 5th Gen fighter with highly senstive stuff abord sitting with the rest of the fighters in a paddock if there at Willy they would arrive just before the show starts...

AdamC

27th February 2011, 07:26 AM

According to the lay out map i've seen both F22's will be parked side by side on the big apron area next to the two C17's.

I know this isn't set in concrete and may change.

Also what are the possibilties of the aircraft going to east sale instead of williamtown?

Mick.B

27th February 2011, 08:13 AM

They wont go to East Sale.

Chris Thurtell

27th February 2011, 10:52 AM

Paul as Aaron said compared to a RAAF base Avalon does have lax security, once the international militay arrive the ADF take over the night watch and the local police and private security look after it during the day as I have observed.

Not to be picky, so surely that means with the USAF/RAF arrivals yesterday that would mean the ADF would now be in charge? ;) You'll probably find the USAF will bring their own security detail as well for the F-22's, given how sensitive they are about them.

Mate I've gone on trade days to two airshows and no word of a lie there were no guards at the main gate and I walked straight through no one stopped me. As regards Willy there was an extra tanker that arrived on Friday night or so I've been told and the tower was open later than normal tonight.

If the F-22's were going to Willy they would have been in before or just after the tanker. They aren't separated by much from what I've seen in the past.

There's a lot of rumours going around about the F-22's (e.g they were supposed to be based at Willy for the FCI course), lets just see what happens eh? :)

Darren Mottram

27th February 2011, 12:05 PM

G'day All,

Well, Friday's wind, weather and mission profiles weren't entirely favorable for us, but I did manage to get the last (seventh) jet to complete the set. :D It was also great to actually meet up with a couple of forum members too.
http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af92/Macchi70/Iowa-F-16s/Mottys-Photo_2011_02_25_8087-LR-1-001.jpg

And the Tanker did a surprise go-around on RW12.
http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af92/Macchi70/Iowa-F-16s/Mottys-Photo_2011_02_25_8384-LR-1-001.jpg

And just some more shots for the fun of it.
http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af92/Macchi70/Iowa-F-16s/Mottys-Photo_2011_02_25_8329-LR-1-001.jpg

http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af92/Macchi70/Iowa-F-16s/Mottys-Photo_2011_02_25_8149-LR-1-001.jpg

Cheers,
Motty.

Jaryd stock

27th February 2011, 12:15 PM

Not having ago but I think what I'm saying is being lost in translation so to speak. I haven't confirmed the F-22's are defiently at Williamtown, just confirming that I've heard that rumour they were heading there, and that there were movements out of the norm the last couple of days. As regards the KC-135 that went in to Willy I'm not even begining to say the F-22s was with it just highlighting that it arrived.

Anyways regarding security ADF defiently take control after dark I should know because one of the times I walked in on the trade days when no security was around the main gate, I stayed there till sunset taking photos and as I went back to my car I was escorted out by some nice military personel from the army, they told me they take over at night.

Chris your right about USAF bringing there security there have been times regarding the F-117, and B-2 over at other airshows, they took a security detail with them then, I dare say the F-22 would be no difference.