Page 5 - Desert Lightning News, Nellis-Creech AFB Edition, October 30, 2020

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DOD activates MQ-9s for imagery support in wildland fire fighting

Airmen at the 432nd Wing, Creech Air Force Base, Nev., re- Emergency Department relocating
cently participated in Department of Defense support efforts to
fight the California wildland fires.
At the request of the National Interagency Fire Center and The Emergency Department at the Mike
upon approval by the DOD, U.S. Northern Command activated O’Callaghan Military Medical Center will be re-
the 432nd to provide Incident Awareness and Assessment support locating to a Temporary Phasing Facility located
using the MQ-9 aircraft to aid civil authorities in California. This north of the current location beginning Oct. 31,
is the first time active-duty aircraft from the 432nd have supported 2020.
in a Defense Support of Civil Authorities capacity. The Emergency Department will continue
Operating in strict accordance with all federal laws and serving customers during this time.
governmental policies, the MQ-9 aircrews were able to provide For more information, call 702-653-2273.
real-time video to map fire perimeters and alert first respond-
ers of the spread and potential impact of the fires, proximity to
infrastructure or buildings, and containment.
“The 432nd’s ‘near-real-time’ support to the California De-
partment of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) enhanced
both agencies’ ability to move limited resources quickly to protect
lives, save property, and be postured for next day operations,”
said Lt. Gen. Kirk Pierce, commander, First Air Force, Air Forces
Northern (AFNORTH). “Our hearts go out to the many people
affected by these devastating fires. Supporting the men and
women on the front line, as they fight fires and save lives, is a
humbling experience.”
Beginning Sept. 26 and concluding Oct. 17, 2020, aircrews
stationed at Creech AFB clocked more than 120 hours of flight
time and video capture of the Glass, August Complex, Bear and
Zogg fires.
The Incident Awareness and Assessment missions provided ap-
propriate local, state and federal authorities situational awareness
of what was occurring on the ground in regards to the wildfires. Air Force photograph by Airman 1st Class William Rio Rosado
AFNORTH, U.S. Northern Command’s U.S. Air Force air Airman 1st Class Michael, 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, speaks to a pilot via walkie-talkie before
component command, is the DOD operational lead for the mis- takeoff at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., Sept. 26, 2020. Aircrews provided real-time video in an effort to map fire
sion. perimeters and alert first responders of the spread and potential impact of the fires in California.

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