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.
The incoming head of the 7th Air Force will face an intense mission while relying on 4th-generation fighters to stave off looming threats from North Korea and China.