PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The Air Force Reserve’s 302d Airlift Wing’s second of two aerial firefighting aircraft was activated and positioned on the west coast on July 15.
At the request of the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) and directed by U.S. Northern Command, the second C-130H Hercules aircraft from the 302 AW was activated with the U.S. Forest Service-owned Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS). Operating under the callsign MAFFS 5, the aircraft proceeded to Klamath Falls, Oregon, to immediately begin aerial support operations for ground firefighting crews. Simultaneously, the wing's first activated MAFFS C-130 aircraft (MAFFS 2) was repositioned from San Bernardino, California, to Klamath Falls to consolidate regional response efforts.
NIFC coordinates wildland firefighting assets nationwide to optimize the federal response. The strategic placement of these C-130s delivers immediate, surge-capable aerial firefighting support to interagency partners during periods of high regional fire activity. MAFFS-equipped military aircraft augment the civilian airtanker fleet only when commercial resources are fully committed, ensuring these specialized assets are strictly reserved for critical-need scenarios.
The 302 AW is the only Air Force Reserve unit assigned to this specialized mission. A single MAFFS unit can discharge up to 3,000 gallons (27,000 pounds) of water or fire retardant in less than five seconds, covering an area one-quarter of a mile long by 100 feet wide. Once discharged, the system can be completely refilled at a tanker base in less than 12 minutes.
When requested by the NIFC and approved by the Secretary of War, the Department of War can provide unique wildland firefighting assets. As part of USNORTHCOM’s assigned Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) mission, these assets are prepared to 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 when activated.
In addition to the 302nd Airlift Wing, three Air National Guard units support MAFFS: the 146th Airlift Wing in Channel Islands, Air National Guard Base, California; the 152nd Airlift Wing based in Reno, Nevada; and the 153rd Airlift Wing based at Cheyenne, Wyoming.
The primary mission of the 302 AW is to provide world-class airlift and combat support, powered by approximately 1,400 premier, combat-ready Reserve Airmen.
For more information on the web: http://www.nifc.gov; http://www.northcom.mil; https://www.petersonschriever.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/302d-Airlift-Wing/.
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