The Nevada Air National Guard’s 152nd Airlift Wing will activate a C-130 Hercules equipped with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System, Wednesday, Aug. 19, to support wildfire response operations in the western United States.
The aircraft and supporting Airmen will deploy from the Nevada Air National Guard Base in Reno to the Klamath Falls Airtanker Base in Klamath Falls, Oregon, where they will integrate with personnel from the Wyoming Air National Guard’s 153rd Airlift Wing, based in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
“We’re proud to have the opportunity to support our neighbors during a difficult time,” said Col. Shaun Cruze, Maintenance Group Commander of the 152nd Airlift Wing. “The High Rollers are always ready to answer the call at a moment’s notice, whether that means supporting our combatant commanders overseas or our domestic partners, such as the U.S. Forest Service, here at home. Wildland firefighting is a mission our Airmen know well, and when the call comes, we’re ready to go.”
MAFFS provides an aerial firefighting surge capability when civilian air tanker resources are committed and additional aircraft are required. The system can be installed aboard specially configured military C-130 aircraft and can discharge up to 3,000 gallons of fire retardant during a single drop.
When requested by the National Interagency Fire Center and approved by the Secretary of War, the military can provide unique wildland firefighting assets. As part of USNORTHCOM’s assigned Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) mission, these assets respond quickly and effectively to protect lives, property, critical infrastructure, and natural resources. Air Forces Northern (AFNORTH), as USNORTHCOM’s air component, oversees the MAFFS Air Expeditionary Group, including its four airlift wings, when activated.
Outside the Reno airlift wing, other participating units include the Wyoming Air National Guard’s 153rd Airlift Wing, the California Air National Guard’s 146th Airlift Wing and the Air Force Reserve Command’s 302nd Airlift Wing in Colorado.
The duration and location of MAFFS operations are determined by wildfire activity and the needs of the agencies directing the federal response.
