Air Force Reserve Command

Story by Phil Rhodes

The Air Force Reserve sent two of its designated firefighting C-130H3 aircraft to help battle the raging wildfires in Southern California.

The National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, requested Department of Defense assistance in fighting the fires which put the wheels in motion for the deployment of about 30 reservists from Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. The aircraft arrived, Oct. 23, at Point Mugu Naval Air Station, Calif., where they joined other military aircraft providing additional firefighting capabilities.

"The (302nd Airlift Wing) has had this mission for roughly 15 years," said Capt. Brian McReynolds, a C-130 pilot and member of the Colorado Springs-based unit. "We have the right people and the safest equipment available for this mission. This is what we love to do."

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