National Guard Deployed to Fight Wildfires

Written by Claudia Cruz

The California Air National Guard announced Tuesday that the 129th Rescue Wing based at Moffett Field will support fire suppression operations statewide.

“Almost immediately after receiving orders to provide support for our wildfire operations from headquarters in Sacramento, our Airmen gathered their gear and headed to Mather,” said Col. Steven J. Butow, 129th RQW Commander. “As rescue professionals, we have the ability to respond rapidly to any challenge we’re given, anytime and anywhere.”

Two HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters with crews and water buckets departed for Mather Air Force Base east of Sacramento where they will then be on standby to receive mission taskings.

Crews from the 129th RQW are certified to perform water bucket operations, and last year dropped more than 250,000 gallons of water on wildfires across California.