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Reserve aircrews teach airborne firefighting to Royal Thai Air Force

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jody L. Ritchie
  • 302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
The U.S. Air Force Reserve-led Modular Airborne Firefighting System training for the Royal Thai Air Force has transitioned from classroom to flying. RTAF crews began flying MAFFS missions Monday with members of the Air Force Reserve's 302nd Airlift Wing providing oversight and advice.

Seven members of the 302 AW traveled to Thailand to share their knowledge and experience with RTAF members in an effort to facilitate the safe and effective use of MAFFS in Thailand. This marks the first time the Air Force Reserve has sent a team of instructors to assist a foreign nation in development of their MAFFS program.

Members of the RTAF spent several days the previous week in a classroom environment learning about the challenges and demands of the MAFFS mission. Now the seven-person AF Reserve team is drawing on their combined 100 years of experience with MAFFS to guide RTAF members through the implementation of what was previously discussed.

"They already understand the checklists well and have a good understanding of the mission," said Chief Master Sgt. James D. Riley, chief loadmaster with the 302 AW. "We have even been able to discuss some emergency response checklists with them."

The 302nd Airlift Wing is the only AF Reserve organization certified to perform the MAFFS aerial firefighting mission. The Colorado Springs-based unit is regularly called upon to battle wildland fires within the U.S., most notably during the intense 2007 and 2008 fire seasons. Since taking on the MAFFS mission in 1975, this is the first time the Air Force Reserve has deployed to train a foreign Air Force on fighting wildland fires and using MAFFS system.