The U.S. Air National Guard and U.S. Air Force Reserve deployed aircraft equipped with modular airborne firefighting systems (MAFFS) to assist in wildfire suppression in Southern California.
According to the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS), MAFFS-equipped C-130 aircraft have been supporting the U.S. Forest Service, California fire departments, and U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) since January 7, 2025.
The aircraft are assisting in efforts to contain two wildfires: the Eaton Fire, located south of Angeles National Forest, and the Pacific Palisades Fire.
Both fires rank among the most destructive in California’s history.
MAFFS is a roll-on, roll-off system designed to convert C-130 aircraft into air tankers capable of dropping fire retardant.
Lt. Col. Richard Pantusa, 302nd Operations Group chief of aerial firefighting at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, explained the system’s purpose: “We convert our combat-rated C-130s into air tankers via a modular system called MAFFS.
It’s a specially designed tank for Air Force C-130s that is a roll-on, roll-off where we can convert our tactical airlift platform into something that can drop retardant on wildland fire.”
The aircraft involved in the response include C-130H Hercules and C-130J Super Hercules from multiple units, including the 146th Airlift Wing in California, 152nd Airlift Wing and 192nd Airlift Squadron in Nevada, 153rd Airlift Wing and 187th Airlift Squadron in Wyoming, and 302nd Airlift Wing and 731st Airlift Squadron in Colorado.
The units relocated to Channel Islands Air National Guard Station to coordinate firefighting operations.
The Eaton Fire has burned more than 14,100 acres, destroyed over 5,300 structures, and damaged more than 600 others.
The Pacific Palisades Fire, the larger of the two, has consumed over 23,700 acres, destroyed more than 2,800 residential and commercial structures, and damaged an additional 500.
MAFFS-equipped aircraft play a critical role in containing such large-scale wildfires by dispersing fire retardant over affected areas.
This helps slow the spread and provides ground crews with additional time to establish firebreaks and protect communities.
The MAFFS deployment falls under USNORTHCOM’s Defense of Civil Authorities mission, which supports federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies during emergencies.
Master Sgt. Doug Benton, a loadmaster with the 153rd Airlift Wing in Wyoming, emphasized the importance of the mission: “I’m really thankful for the opportunity to give back to the community, to help communities in times of need and there’s always a need for that even when we are not called up to serve.”
Senior Master Sgt. Michana Greenberg of the 302nd Airlift Wing added: “The MAFFS mission is excellent.
“Sometimes in our jobs we don’t always see the direct impact we have and that’s not true for MAFFS. It makes it very close to our hearts.”
The U.S. Air National Guard and U.S. Air Force Reserve have deployed MAFFS-equipped C-130 aircraft to support firefighting efforts in Southern California.
The 146th Airlift Wing, 152nd Airlift Wing, 153rd Airlift Wing, and 302nd Airlift Wing are collaborating with the U.S. Forest Service, California fire departments, and USNORTHCOM.
The Eaton Fire and Pacific Palisades Fire have burned more than 37,800 acres combined, destroying over 8,100 structures.
MAFFS aircraft are being used to disperse fire retardant, slowing the spread and assisting ground crews.
The mission is part of USNORTHCOM’s Defense of Civil Authorities efforts.
Servicemembers have relocated to Channel Islands Air National Guard Station to coordinate response efforts.
Officials stated that MAFFS provides a critical aerial firefighting capability that enhances coordination between military and civilian firefighting teams.
