Crews from the California Air National Guard’s 129th Rescue Wing at Moffett Federal Airfield are now certified to operate 660-gallon water buckets from their HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters, making the wing USAF’s only rescue unit qualified for fighting fires. The wing has been operating in this role from Mather Air Reserve Base to help fight the wildfires that have ravaged large parts of California. It has simultaneously maintained its alert posture for search and rescue and medical evacuation. “Our search-and-rescue mission, coupled with the fire bucket certification, adds to the state’s broad range of fire fighting capabilities,” said Col. Amos Bagdasarian, 129th RQW commander. The wing’s certification paves the way for other rescue wings to train and be cleared for the mission. (Mather report by Capt. Alyson M. Teeter)
Work Has Begun to Adapt Qatari 747 to Fly as Air Force One
Sept. 15, 2025
The Air Force has started modifying a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar for "executive airlift," a spokesperson said Sept. 15. President Donald Trump has said he wants to fly the jet as “Air Force One” since new presidential transports, held up by delays, won't be ready until after his term…