Castaic, California – January 22, 2025 – Eight California Air National Guard C-130J Super Hercules aircraft equipped with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) were deployed today to assist in battling the Hughes Fire in Castaic, California.

Maj. John-Mark Koetitz, a pilot with the 115th Airlift Squadron, led one of the aircraft on this critical mission. The MAFFS system, a U.S. Forest Service innovation, allows these military transport planes to be quickly converted into airtankers. Each aircraft can carry up to 3,000 gallons of fire retardant and discharge the entire load in under five seconds, covering a significant area.

"These aircraft are vital in providing rapid aerial support to ground crews battling wildfires," said a spokesperson for the California Air National Guard. "The MAFFS system significantly enhances our ability to combat these dangerous blazes."

Units from the Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift Wing, as well as the Air National Guard's 153rd, 146th, and 152nd Airlift Wings, contributed aircraft to this operation. U.S. Transportation Command, through its Air Mobility Command, activated these units in support of U.S. Northern Command.

This deployment underscores the crucial role of the National Guard and the MAFFS system in providing critical support to civilian agencies during natural disasters.

keywords : California Wildfires, Hughes Fire, C-130J, MAFFS, Air National Guard, Wildfire Suppression, Aerial Firefighting, Disaster Relief,