Peterson Airmen called upon to fight California fires Published Oct. 24, 2007 By 2nd Lt. Jonathan Simmons 21 Space Wing Public Affairs PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The air was turbulent and clouded with smoke, and the horizon appeared to be on fire as Peterson C-130 aircraft approached, answering California's call for help. Three C-130H3s from the 302nd Airlift Wing, two carrying Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems and one laden with critical support equipment, flew to California to aid with the massive firefighting efforts. "We're a small piece of the puzzle," said Maj. Rich Pantusa, 302nd AW MAFFS pilot. "There are a lot of great folks out here." Among the first federal support on the ground, Peterson C-130s joined a firefighting and support force that would include National Forest Service resources and National Guard Airmen and aircraft from Wyoming, North Carolina and California, all massing at Point Mugu Naval Air Station, Calif., to help subdue the raging wildfires. "We found out this morning we're going to California," Tech. Sgt. Mark Shykes, an Air Reserve technician with the 302nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron said Oct. 23. "It's a little hard on our families at first, but they know this is what we signed up for. It was crazy when we got here. Smoke was everywhere." The crews will remain in California, flying missions during the day, until the fire is extinguished. "We're out here 'til the good Lord puts the fire out," said Lt. Col. Jay Wood, from the North Carolina ANG. "We're here to keep it under control 'til then." The highly-trained Airmen who carry out MAFFS firefighting missions reside solely in the reserve components. It's been that way for about 15 years. "This is what we love to do," said Capt. Brian McReynolds, 302nd AW MAFFS pilot. Every wildfire is devastating in some way, but every fire is in some way unique. "The kicker this time is sustained high winds called 'Santa Anas'" said Oscar Soto, assistant chief at the Naval Base Ventura County Fire Department, who is also a National Guardsman with the 146th AW. The winds make the MAFFS missions especially treacherous and sometimes causes them to be postponed, considering they drop their load of 3,000 gallons of fire retardant from an altitude of just 150 feet. For natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires, Department of Defense resources are called upon when civil resources have done all they can do. "It's always rewarding to know you're making a difference in your homeland," said Major Pantusa. "Anyone who does this mission can't help but feel honored."