Northern Command Reports on Firefighting Efforts

Courtesy Photo | In the Scripps Ranch Area of San Diego an HC-85 uses a "Bambi" bucket to conduct water drops on brushfires in southern Calif., Oct. 29, 2003. The brushfires have caused extensive damage throughout, burning more than 500,000 acres. Utility Helicopter-Three Hotel (UH-3H) "Sea King" Helicopter assigned to the Golden Gators of Reserve Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Eight Five (HC-85) is assisting in the firefighting efforts. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class (AW/SW) Michael J. Pusnik, Jr.  

WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES

10.30.2003

Courtesy Story

Defense.gov         

As Defense Department aircraft and crews continue their efforts in helping to battle the California wildfires, U.S. Northern Command officials reported today that in 48 missions through Oct. 29, the aircraft had dispersed 129,600 gallons of fire retardant.

C-130s from Air National Guard wings in California, North Carolina and Wyoming and an Air Force Reserve wing in Colorado - all equipped with the Mobile Air Firefighting System - are participating. Helicopters equipped with fire-supression buckets from a Marine base in California also are supporting the effort.

DoD announced today that it will send a 560-member "firefighting battalion" to join the effort on or about Nov. 3.

(Compiled from a U.S. Northern Command news release.)

Story by American Forces Press Service

• Date Taken: 10.30.2003
• Date Posted: 07.04.2025 02:22
• Story ID: 533313
• Location: WASHINGTON, US