Arizona National Guard sends two Black Hawks to California

Two UH-60 aircraft equipped with buckets and 13 personnel from the Arizona National Guard are deploying to Mather Field in Sacramento, California, to support local firefighters. This is in response to a significant surge in wildfire activity, with 21 wildfires burning across various regions of the state.

“Because we are the primary combat reserve of the US armed forces, the National Guard has the resources to coordinate swift responses to local disasters,” said Major General Kerry Muehlenbeck, the Adjutant General of Arizona. “When our states and territories call upon each other in times of need, we do not hesitate to unite our resources to support our communities.”

The current largest of these wildfires, the Park fire, has already destroyed approximately 368,000 acres and affected four counties. Additionally, the SQF Lightning Complex fire, which has burned 85,000 acres and spread across two counties, is being monitored by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.

As the primary combat reserve, the National Guard is always prepared to pivot from national defense missions to supporting local communities at a moment’s notice. Upon receiving California’s assistance request, the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs immediately mobilized to assess feasibility and resources for support. Crews are set to depart and seamlessly integrate with California’s firefighting efforts. The decision to redeploy back to Arizona will be based on the mission request.