Faster Disaster Response, Remembering Katrina

The six Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped aircraft sent by Air Forces Northern to aid efforts to combat the California wildfires were ready to fly missions Wednesday, according to US Northern Command. Air Force Gen. Gene Renuart, NORTHCOM boss, told reporters that the command was employing lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina. He said that as the lead DOD command, “We are closely tied to the state of California, with the Department of Defense, and with the National Guard to provide the right kind of capability to ensure the response is appropriate.” (Read here for other support provided California by NORTHCOM.) The North Carolina Air National Guard sent four C-130s, two MAFFS-equipped and two for support; the Wyoming ANG sent three C-130s, two MAFF-equipped; and Air Force Reserve Command’s 302nd Airlift Wing in Colorado sent two MAFFS-equipped C-130s.