The 152nd Airlift Wing of the Nevada Air National Guard is activating a C-130 aircraft on Wednesday, August 19, to support wildfire suppression efforts in Oregon. The plane will depart from the Nevada Air National Guard Base in Reno and land at the Klamath Falls Airtanker Base, where it will join other federal and state resources battling the blaze.
MAFFS system adds critical retardant capacity
The aircraft is fitted with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS), a proven technology that can release up to 3,000 gallons of fire‑retardant in a single drop. MAFFS provides a surge capability when civilian air‑tanker resources are fully committed, allowing the military to fill gaps and protect lives, property, and natural resources.
Multi‑state cooperation
Nevada airmen will operate alongside personnel from 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 based in Colorado. The combined effort is overseen by Air Forces Northern, the air component of U.S. Northern Command, which manages the MAFFS Air Expeditionary Group when activated.
Mission authorized through federal channels
Requests for military wildland‑firefighting assets are routed through the National Interagency Fire Center and must be approved by the Secretary of War. The deployment falls under U.S. Northern Command’s Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) mission, which authorizes federal assets to protect civilians and critical infrastructure during domestic emergencies.
Local leaders express gratitude
Col. Shaun Cruze, Maintenance Group Commander of the 152nd Airlift Wing, said, “We’re proud to have the opportunity to support our neighbors during a difficult time. 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.”
The length of the Nevada C-130’s stay in Oregon will depend on wildfire activity and the needs of the agencies directing the federal response. The deployment underscores the importance of inter‑agency cooperation and the role of the National Guard in safeguarding communities across state lines.
Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.
