MILITARY JOINS CAL FIRE TO FIGHT WILDFIRES

Aug. 15, 2012 (Miramar Naval Air Station) – Today, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) has been requested by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to assist with the wildfires burning in eastern San Diego County."

3rd MAW will provide eight helicopters, a mix of CH-53 Super Stallions and CH-46 Sea Knights, for use with CAL FIRE under the Defense Support of Civil Authorities process. These assets will be used in conjunction with CAL FIRE aerial resources to shuttle firefighters to the firelines and for water dropping.  Joint training is conducted annually by the two organizations to prepare for such firefighting emergencies.  The last training was conducted in May 2012.

The CH-53 Super Stallions belong to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadrons 462, 465 and 466, Marine Aircraft Group 16, and are stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.  The CH-46 Sea Knights belong to Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron 164, Marine Aircraft Group 39, and are stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton.

For more information about the firefighting efforts, contact CAL FIRE at (951) 377-8380, 619-933-2357 or at www.fire.ca.gov or follow their Twitter feed @CAL_FIRE.

For up-to-date information concerning 3rd MAW’s involvement, follow our Twitter feed @MCASMiramarCA or contact the Public Affairs Office at (858) 577-6000.