The North Carolina Air National Guard’s 145th Airlift Wing has sent two C-130 Hercules aircraft equipped with modular airborne fire fighting systems and two more Herks loaded with support personnel and equipment to help fight wildfires in California, reports WRAL in Charlotte, N.C. California Gov. Arnold Schwarznegger had asked for the help as some 400 fires started over much of the state following lightning strikes. Other Air and Army National Guard forces from within and outside California have been responding, according to a June 24 release by the National Guard Bureau.
When acting Air Force Secretary Gary A. Ashworth rescinded service-wide “Family Days” last week citing the need to build readiness, he left it up to commanders, directors, and supervisors to decide if they would still permit extra days off. Here’s how Air Force major commands are taking that guidance.