3rd MAW supports firefighting operations at Camp Pendleton

Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Brytani Musick | Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267 and HMLA-169, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct water bucket drops over a brush fire in support of firefighting operations at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 6. The “Pendleton Complex,” consisting of three separate fires, burned nearly 2,000 acres. In all, six aircraft from 3rd MAW conducted nearly 250 water drops over two separate fires in 30 hours. (Courtesy Photo)  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CAMP PENDLETON, CA, UNITED STATES

07.06.2018

Story by Staff Sgt. Brytani Musick 

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar

Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif. - Marines with Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 39 quickly took action when a large brush fire broke out at Camp Pendleton just before noon on July 6, forcing the evacuation of Lake O'Neil, Wounded Warrior Regiment and Deluz Housing. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conducted 60 water bucket drops from two UH-1Y Venoms in support of the “Vandegrift Incident” which burned more than 560 acres.

Later that evening, a second fire broke out in Horno, which quickly covered over 1,000 acres. MAG-39 mobilized another two Venoms from HMLA-267 and two more from HMLA-169. During the eight flight hours in support of the “Horno Incident,” the four aircraft conducted 188 drops.

Marines worked alongside fire departments from Oceanside, Orange County, San Marcos, CAL FIRE and the U.S. Forestry Service.

In all, six aircraft from 3rd MAW conducted nearly 250 water drops over two separate fires in 30 hours. Without aircraft support, firefighters would have been forced to climb on foot down a steep canyon to fight the fire in 90-degree heat.

Residents have since returned to their homes and regular base operations have continued.

“MAG-39 is proud to be a part of the team effort that fought the recent wildfires in and around Camp Pendleton,” said Col. Matthew Mowery, MAG-39 commanding officer. “Using aircraft to complement the work of numerous brave firefighters on the ground reduces some of the risk for ground crews and allows rapid delivery of water to places without a readily available source. Our combined efforts this weekend ensured no loss of life or damage to structures and we stand ready to assist in the future.”

• Date Taken: 07.06.2018
• Date Posted: 07.10.2018 12:11
• Story ID: 283715
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US