Soldiers and airmen from California’s Army National Guard and Air National Guard have been actively involved in combating the wildfires that have been ravaging Los Angeles County for the past week. Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder emphasized the Department of Defense’s commitment to supporting response efforts and providing assistance to those affected by the wildfires. Currently, there are eight Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130 Hercules aircraft stationed at Channel Islands Air National Guard Station in Ventura County to assist in firefighting efforts.
Throughout the weekend, the Air National Guard conducted six MAFFS missions, dropping over 16,000 gallons of fire suppressant. Additionally, there are now over 1,800 California National Guardsmen who have been activated to support firefighting efforts, including deploying assets such as rotary wing aircraft, hand crews, and military police to supplement local law enforcement. The Marines stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and the Navy helicopters equipped with water delivery buckets are also on standby to provide assistance if needed.
Despite the readiness of active-duty assets, the California government has not yet requested assistance from them. Ryder explained that the Defense Department is prepared to support federal agencies involved in wildfire relief efforts and is closely monitoring the situation to provide assistance when required. The coordination of capabilities and synchronization of efforts are crucial to avoid introducing additional complexities to the already challenging situation on the ground. U.S. Northern Command is working with FEMA and other agencies to make real-time determinations on the need for additional DOD assistance.
Ryder emphasized that the Defense Department is fully committed to supporting all those battling the wildfires and ensuring that active-duty capabilities are available if requested. The decision to have assets on standby without any request for assistance will be evaluated on a day-by-day basis in coordination with interagency partners. The DOD recognizes the significance and devastation caused by the wildfires and is dedicated to providing support and assistance to those affected. The collaboration between federal, state, and local partners is essential in effectively responding to the ongoing crisis and mitigating the impact of the wildfires in California.
