MAFFS C130 crews back in Port Hueneme

  • Published
  • By Major Kimberly Holman
  • 146th Airlift Wing
MAFFS 4 and MAFFS 6 aircraft assigned to the 146th Airlift Wing (AW) returned Monday July 8, after a month-long activation with rotations that began June 11. Aircrew, maintainers and support crews had been assisting with wildland firefighting efforts staging out of Colorado Springs and Mesa, Ariz. during the activation. The crews and aircraft and were requested by the U.S. Forest Service to assist with numerous fires across the Southwest and Rocky Mountain regions.

The increased fire activity over recent weeks has meant long days and scorching temperatures for those on duty. While a welcome pause, MAFFS crews know that this is rotation home is only temporary, and they continue to watch headlines for nationwide fire activity to anticipate further need for MAFFS assistance.

During the 2013 firefighting season, that began June 11, MAFFS aircrews have made 88 drops with 240,131 gallons of retardant total as of July 10.

As part of the scheduled monthly MAFFS rotations the 146th MAFFS-equipped aircraft and crews are fighting the fires alongside MAFFS wings from the 153rd AW, Wyoming Air National Guard, the 145th AW, North Carolina Air National Guard and the 302nd Airlift Wing, Air Force Reserve Command.

MAFFS C130 crews back in Port Hueneme

  • Published
  • By Major Kimberly Holman
  • 146th Airlift Wing
MAFFS 4 and MAFFS 6 aircraft assigned to the 146th Airlift Wing (AW) returned Monday July 8, after a month-long activation with rotations that began June 11. Aircrew, maintainers and support crews had been assisting with wildland firefighting efforts staging out of Colorado Springs and Mesa, Ariz. during the activation. The crews and aircraft and were requested by the U.S. Forest Service to assist with numerous fires across the Southwest and Rocky Mountain regions.

The increased fire activity over recent weeks has meant long days and scorching temperatures for those on duty. While a welcome pause, MAFFS crews know that this is rotation home is only temporary, and they continue to watch headlines for nationwide fire activity to anticipate further need for MAFFS assistance.

During the 2013 firefighting season, that began June 11, MAFFS aircrews have made 88 drops with 240,131 gallons of retardant total as of July 10.

As part of the scheduled monthly MAFFS rotations the 146th MAFFS-equipped aircraft and crews are fighting the fires alongside MAFFS wings from the 153rd AW, Wyoming Air National Guard, the 145th AW, North Carolina Air National Guard and the 302nd Airlift Wing, Air Force Reserve Command.