U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) introduced the Modernizing Aerial Firefighting Support for the National Guard Act. The bipartisan legislation would require the U.S. Air Force to include the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) mission as part of the criteria for allocating the C-130J aircraft. This criteria change would make it more likely for the Air National Guard in Wyoming and Nevada, which have MAFFS missions, to be selected by the Air Force to upgrade their aging C-130H fleets with more capable C-130Js.
Having C-130Js will have a substantial impact on readiness and firefighting capabilities in Wyoming, Nevada, and other states across the West facing the risks of constant wildfires. Barrasso said with the ongoing threat of wildfires across the Rocky Mountain West, having access to C-130J aircraft in Wyoming is more critical than ever and the air tanker is one of the best tools to quickly and efficiently suppress fires. Barrasso added that the bipartisan legislation will require the Air Force to use the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System mission as a C-130J basing requirement and by expanding access to this vital air tanker, it will ensure Wyoming and other western states have every advantage possible when fighting wildfires.
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Last modified: August 4, 2022