Homecoming: VMM-363 “Lucky Red Lions” Transit RAAF Amberley

by Brock

Homecoming: VMM-363 “Lucky Red Lions” Transit RAAF Amberley

This weekend saw a flight of four USMC Boeing MV-22B Ospreys transit through RAAF Amberley on their way back home. The Ospreys, all from the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363 (VMM-363) “Lucky Red Lions” based out of MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, had recently taken part in the latest Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) initiative which involves annual rotations of US Marines through Northern Australia.

This was the largest MRF-D initiative to date, with the rotation size numbering approximately 2,500 personnel. Aircraft-wise, the rotation consisted of:

  • Ten MV-22B Ospreys
  • Three UH-1Y Venoms
  • Four AH-1Z Vipers
Boeing MV-22B Osprey 168012 (Image: Brock Little)
Boeing MV-22B Osprey 168032 (Image: Brock Little)
Boeing MV-22B Osprey 168285 (Image: Brock Little)
Boeing MV-22B Osprey 168342 (Image: Brock Little)

The four Ospreys were escorted by two USMC Lockheed Martin KC-130Js of the Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 (VMGR-152) “Sumos”. They had intended to depart for Nadi, Fiji on Sunday morning however one of the KC-130Js encountered a technical issue resulting in a cancellation of the trip.

Lockheed Martin KC-130J Hercules 169532 (Image: Brock Little)
Lockheed Martin KC-130J Hercules 167926 (Image: Brock Little)

The six Ospreys remaining in Darwin may follow a similar route. The other KC-130J was noted on AussieADSB departing Amberley for Darwin on Sunday, potentially to pick up more Ospreys.

Brock is an aerospace engineer working in the aviation sector and has experience working on both civilian and military aviation assets. He has enjoyed aviation photography as a hobby since he was 16, and has travelled the world in pursuit of rare aircraft to fly on and photograph. Apart from aviation, Brock is an avid fan of coffee and is a strong advocate for Brisbane brunch culture.