PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - At the request of the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, the 302nd Airlift Wing (Air Force Reserve) deployed a third C-130H aircraft and aircrew to assist in the battle against the raging wildfires in California.
The Reserve C-130H and Air Force Reservists departed Peterson AFB just before noon today. Today's deployment comes just three days after the 302nd deployed two C-130s and crews in support of aerial firefighting operations in California.
With the deployment of the additional C-130s and crews from the 302nd Airlift Wing, all of the Colorado units Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS)- capable C-130 assets will be available for use in California.
The third 302nd AW C-130 and crew are scheduled to arrive at McClellan Airport near Sacramento, Calif. later today and are expected to be fully mission capable by Sunday.
The 302nd will provide MAFFS certified aircrews to operate three firefighting aircraft throughout each daylight hour to help contain the wildland fires in Northern California.
Last year, the 302nd's MAFFS mission at Peterson was activated by the USDA Forest Service to fight wildfires in Southern California. During those aerial firefighting missions, the 302nd flew 76 sorties against fires in California discharging over 200,000 gallons of retardant protecting over 2,000 homes, saving thousands of lives and preventing an estimated $1.1 billion in property loss.