MAFFS training in California

The two Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems (MAFFS) air tankers based at the Channel Islands Air National Guard in Port Hueneme, California are participating in training this week for wildfire assignments. The portable MAFFS units can be inserted into the cargo holds of military C-130J aircraft within a few hours to be used when the privately-owned air tankers that are under contract to the federal government are committed on fires or otherwise not available. The training began on Monday and will conclude on Thursday.

Three other bases in the United States have two aircraft each that are designated as MAFFS-deployable, stationed in Colorado, Wyoming, and South Carolina. Usually the aircraft from multiple bases assemble in one area for their annual training and recertification, but this year the California aircraft and crews will not be joined by MAFFS aircraft from other states. Last year the Colorado and Wyoming units met in Idaho for the training, and in 2010 all four bases sent their aircraft to South Carolina. Major Kimberly Holman told us that a cost reduction initiative was the reason for the localized training.

This year in California, more than 100 personnel from he 146th Airlift Wing and the U.S. Forest Service will come together to accomplish the weeklong training sponsored by the USFS and the Air National Guard. The certification event will include classroom sessions and flight training for military flight crews, civilian lead plane pilots, and various support personnel. Water drops will be executed in the nearby Angeles National Forest and in Kern County. Rural residents in those areas may see low-flying C-130 aircraft and Forest Service lead planes throughout the week.

The Times-News has some other photos of the aircraft and personnel.

Author: Bill Gabbert

After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire. View all posts by Bill Gabbert