PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – Six Department of Defense C-130 aircraft equipped with U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems and under the command and control of U.S. Northern Command, continue to support firefighting efforts in Texas and Mexico.
Two C-130s, from the 302nd Airlift Wing at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. are deployed to Laughlin AFB, TX at the request of the Mexican government to assist the Comisión Nacional Forestal (CONAFOR) control the wildfires in the Mexico state of Coahuila.
Four C-130s, from Wyoming, North Carolina, and California Air National Guard are deployed to Dyess AFB, TX to assist the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) control fires in south Texas.
As of late Tuesday night DoD aircraft have completed the following:
In support of the Government of MEXICO:
-- 28 air drops
-- 63,000 gallons of retardant
In support of the State of TEXAS:
-- 32 air drops -- 90,000 gallons of retardant
Col. Jack Pittman, 302nd Air Expeditionary Group commander, said, "We realize that time is important to people who are facing very difficult and challenging times due to the fires, and we're committed to responding as efficiently and quickly as possible. It's remarkable how all the agencies involved are able to work together in such a dynamic situation to provide timely and effective containment actions, and we're proud to support those agencies."
For more information, contact USNORTHCOM Public Affairs at 719-554-6889 or 719-304-6097.