As wildfires ravaged through the Black Forest, northeast of Colorado Springs, Colo., this past week, military personnel and assets have been on the scene to help contain the massive flames. At least 150 Colorado National Guard members, 10 firefighters and two vehicles from the 21st Space Wing at Peterson AFB, one vehicle and a contingent of personnel from Schriever AFB, two firefighters and a 5,000-gallon water tender from Buckley AFB, and two Modular Airborne Firefighting System-equipped C-130s from the Air Force Reserve Command’s 302nd Airlift Wing at Peterson all provided support. Peterson’s MAFFS-equipped C-130s conducted 14 air drops and released more than 35,500 gallons of retardant as of June 18. Two CH-47 Chinooks and two UH-60 Black Hawks from Fort Carson also provided support. As of June 18, the Colorado Springs Gazette reported the blaze was 75 percent contained. It had scorched more than 14,000 acres, claimed the lives of two people, and destroyed nearly 500 homes, according to the newspaper. In addition, AFSPC personnel have returned home, according to Jennifer Green-Lanchoney, AFSPC spokesperson. (Northern Command report by Capt. Darin Overstreet) (See also 302nd Airlift Wing to Fight Forest Fire)
Watchdog Says Military Can Make Cyber Ops More Efficient
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The Government Accountability Office called for paring down the military's sprawling cyber enterprise in a recent report, amid renewed discussion about standing up a separate cyber force.
