Defense Department Places California Air National Guard General in Charge of Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System Task Force.

News Editors

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 17, 2001

The Commander of the Joint Forces Command designated Brig. Gen. John Iffland, the Provisionary Commander of the Air Expeditionary Group (AEG) today placing him in charge of federalized Air National Guard C-130 aircraft supporting state and federal agencies battling wild fires in 10 western states. The AEG is a task force of Air National Guard units from the States of California and Wyoming.

As Commander, Iffland, who on a daily basis commands the California Air National Guard's 146th Airlift Wing at Channel Islands Air national Guard base, Calif., will command and control all Air National Guard Modular Airborne Fighting Systems (MAFFS) C-130 aircraft. He draws his authority to command these assets through the Department of Defense's support to the Federal Response Plan and memorandums of understanding signed by states involved in the fires.

The Air Expeditionary Group's wild land fire doctrine was developed and adopted after the 2000 fire season when an unusually high number of Air Force personnel and equipment were activated for the wild fire season. Prior to the AEG concept, Air Guard, Air Force, and Air Reserve units had limited authority to integrate and prioritize military MAFFS operations since they supported various state and federal agencies in charge of portions of the firefighting efforts.

Under the AEG concept, MAFFS operations and agency communications are streamlined, military air assets are used more efficiently, and the safety risks to pilots, equipment and ground crews are greatly reduced. In the first two days of MAFFS support operations, the Air Expeditionary Squadron's four MAFFS C-130s have dropped a total of 348 tons of fire retardant.

For questions contact Maj. Stan Zezotarski 916/854-3781 or Lt. Col. Terry Knight at 916/799-9525.