AFMC Command News

Guard C-130s continue to fight wildfires

  • Published
  • By Stefan Bocchino
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Four C-130 Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped aircraft from the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group continue to fly missions from here to help suppress wildfires in the Southwestern United States.

The first two aircraft, from the California Air National Guard's 146th Airlift Wing, came to Kirtland AFB on June 15, 2011, with two more aircraft from the North Carolina Air National Guard's 145th Airlift Wing arriving June 19.

The aircraft are assigned to the 302 AEG while deployed here.

These MAFFS aircraft were requested by the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho.

"The missions are going very well," said Lt. Col. Dave Condit, 302 AEG deputy commander. "The fires are in rugged terrain, making the flying very difficult. However, the crews are very experienced and capable of handling the fire drops. Although new fires are constantly threatening, we have had success on those we have been flying."

The C-130s are assigned missions by the regional Geographic Coordination Center, although they remain under operational control of U.S. Northern Command through Air Forces Northern.

As of June 28 the MAFFS aircraft have flown 80 sorties since arriving at Kirtland AFB, said Colonel Condit. They include 87 hours of flight time, 85 drops and 204,000 gallons of fire retardant dropped. They continue to fight fires in New Mexico and Arizona, including the Pacheco fire near Santa Fe, N.M., the Las Conchas fire south of Los Alamos, N.M., and the Wallow fire in Arizona.

New restrictions were implemented on tanker crews to help fight fatigue said Colonel Condit. They should not create a significant need for more MAFFS aircraft he said, though officials will continue to watch that closely. MAFFS crews rotate weekly.

"The 377th Air Base Wing and the 58th Special Operations Wing have been key players on this fire team," said Colonel Condit. "Both organizations have had a direct, positive impact on the mission, resulting in additional sorties. This world-class support is directly contributing to the protection of lives and property, and that's something about which the Kirtland team can be proud."