Wyoming and Nevada Air National Guard Support California Wildfire Efforts
Aircrews from the Wyoming and Nevada Air National Guard, equipped with Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems (MAFFS), have been deployed to assist in battling wildfires in the Los Angeles area, United States Air Force reports.
The activation, led by US Northern Command, is part of a multi-state effort to combat the devastating fires impacting Southern California communities.
Three C-130 Hercules aircraft from the Wyoming Air National Guard, along with associated personnel, were activated on January 9 and sent to Channel Islands Air National Guard Base in California. They joined two C-130s from the Nevada Air National Guard and additional aircraft from the Colorado Air Force Reserve and California Air National Guard.
The MAFFS-equipped aircraft, developed by the US Forest Service in partnership with the Department of Defense, allow C-130s to serve as aerial tankers, capable of discharging up to 3,000 gallons of fire retardant in under five seconds.
The firefighting mission is supported by more than 1,850 Guard members, with contributions from units in Wyoming, Nevada, Colorado, and California. The mission aims to protect lives, homes, and infrastructure while minimizing the fires’ impacts on the region.
“It has been difficult to watch the absolute devastation of the wildfires in California,” said Col. Brian Diehl, commander of Wyoming’s 153rd Airlift Wing. “We’re honored to participate in our nation’s efforts to combat these fires and help restore normalcy to the people and communities of Southern California.”
Col. Catherine Grush, commander of Nevada’s 152nd Airlift Wing, echoed these sentiments:
“Californians are not only our neighbors but part of our family of Guardsmen and women. We are honored to assist with this effort.”
MAFFS technology has been a cornerstone of firefighting operations since its inception in 1971, providing a vital resource for integrating military air tankers into national firefighting responses. The system enables rapid fire retardant deployment, covering large areas to help contain and control wildfires.
