California's aerial firefighting capabilities just got a major boost with the addition of a second C-130 Hercules airtanker, according to an announcement from Governor Gavin Newsom. As the peak of fire season approaches, this strategic move reinforces the state's already substantial fleet, recognized as the largest in the world for battling blazes from the skies. The C-130H Hercules, dubbed Tanker 121, is a formidable ally in California's ongoing war against wildfire disasters.
Having been transformed from a former United States Coast Guard aircraft into a fire suppression machine, Tanker 121 underwent significant modifications before joining the fray. Alongside CAL FIRE Chief Joe Tyler and firefighting personnel, Newsom celebrated this advancement at a hangar in Sacramento. According to a statement obtained by the Governor's office, the first C-130H played a pivotal role in the Los Angeles fires, completing 90 missions and deploying over a quarter-million gallons of retardant.
In bolstering their fleet, California isn't just focusing on the present. The recent addition of the new C-130H simulator, unique in the nation, ensures that pilots are equipped and trained specifically for firefighting sorties. As the only one of its kind owned by a fire department in the nation, it signifies a substantial investment in personnel preparedness.
Elected officials from both sides of the aisle have supported California's move to secure these military-grade airtankers. Representative Ken Calvert hailed the bipartisan efforts to obtain the C-130s as crucial in enhancing the state’s defense against wildfires. "These powerful planes will enable California to respond to wildfires more quickly and effectively as we face more extreme conditions and increasingly devastating disasters," said U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, reflecting on the first retrofitted aircraft's impact on the Los Angeles fires. The full fleet of seven planned C-130Hs is expected to be operational soon.
The C-130 program's success can be credited to the collaboration between multiple federal agencies and the state of California. This included support from the United States Air Force and Coast Guard, ensuring the airtankers were ready for CAL FIRE's modifications. Equipped with a 4,000-gallon tank and advanced retardant delivery systems, these aircraft represent a leap forward in the state's capacity to protect its land and citizens from the ever-present threat of wildfire.
