The Air Force also tapped the California Air National Guard’s 129th Rescue Wing at Moffett Field, Calif., to provide two HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters and air, rescue, and maintenance crews. They flew to Los Alamitos Army Airfield, to provide search and rescue support. And, Air Mobility Command engaged its 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center at Scott AFB, Ill., to manage movement of about 103 tons of equipment to March ARB, Calif., where the Army set up a command center. AMC also dispatched 25 aeromedical evacuation personnel. It placed airlift and air refueling aircraft on alert at several bases. Air Force Space Command provided firefighters from Vandenberg AFB, Calif., to work alongside civil crews.
The Air Force expects to start modifying its first B-52H Stratofortress bomber with new engines and other upgrades later this year, following the successful review of the Commercial Engine Replacement Program’s design.