NORAD, USNORTHCOM senior leaders gain better perspective on AF Reserve MAFFS, aeromed missions

Navy Adm. James A. Winnefeld, Jr., discusses the challenges of aeromedical evacuation with Capt. Carrie Williamson (foreground) July 26 at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. Admiral Winnefeld, commander of both the North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, together with senior leaders from both commands, visited the Air Force Reserve’s 302nd Airlift Wing to gain a better understanding of the specialized missions the AF Reserve supports, to include aeromedical evacuation and aerial firefighting. The visit also showcased the capabilities Air Force Reservists can provide to civilian-related missions if called upon. Captain Williamson is flight nurse and Air Reserve Technician within the 302nd AW. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Stephen J. Collier)

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NORAD, USNORTHCOM senior leaders gain better perspective on AF Reserve MAFFS, aeromed missions

Navy Adm. James A. Winnefeld, Jr., holds both the 34th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and the 302nd Airlift Wing’s Modular Airborne Firefighting System patches in his hand after being presented them from 302nd AW leadership July 26 at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. Admiral Winnefeld, commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, together with senior leaders from both organizations, visited the Air Force Reserve’s 302nd AW to gain a better understanding of the specialized missions the AF Reserve supports, to include aeromedical evacuation and aerial firefighting. The visit also showcased the capabilities Air Force Reservists can provide to civilian-related missions if called upon. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Stephen J. Collier)

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NORAD, USNORTHCOM senior leaders gain better perspective on AF Reserve MAFFS, aeromed missions

Navy Adm. James A. Winnefeld, Jr., highlights the important connection between U.S. Northern Command and Air Force Reserve organizations during civilian support missions to Capts. Jenny Dalstra (center, right) and Carrie Williamson July 26 at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. Admiral Winnefeld, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. NORTHCOM commander, together with senior leaders from the commands, visited the Air Force Reserve’s 302nd Airlift Wing to gain a better understanding of the specialized missions the AF Reserve supports, to include aeromedical evacuation and aerial firefighting. The visit also showcased the capabilities Air Force Reservists can provide to civilian-related missions if called upon. Captains Dalstra and Williamson are flight nurses within the 302nd AW. Captain Williamson is also an Air Reserve Technician. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Stephen J. Collier)

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NORAD, USNORTHCOM senior leaders gain better perspective on AF Reserve MAFFS, aeromed missions

Master Sgt. Lamont Wood (left) explains the layout of a Modular Airborne Firefighting System II control panel to Canadian Lt. Gen. J.M. Duval (center) and Chief Master Sgt. W. Allen Usry during a 302nd Airlift Wing-sponsored presentation on Air Force Reserve missions to senior North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command officials July 26 at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. The visit, headlined by Navy Adm. James A. Winnefeld, Jr., NORAD and USNORTHCOM commander, helped to give the senior leaders a better understanding of the specialized missions the AF Reserve supports, as well as the capabilities it can provide to civilian-related missions if called upon. General Duval is the NORAD deputy commander, and Chief Usry is the senior enlisted advisor for NORAD and USNORTHCOM. Sergeant Wood is a C-130 Hercules loadmaster within the 302nd AW. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Stephen J. Collier)

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NORAD, USNORTHCOM senior leaders gain better perspective on AF Reserve MAFFS, aeromed missions

Published July 27, 2010
By Staff Sgt. Stephen J. Collier
302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Navy Adm. James A. Winnefeld, Jr., commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, as well as senior leaders from both commands, visited the 302nd Airlift Wing July 26 to gain a better understanding of the specialized missions performed by the Air Force Reserve Command unit.

USNORTHCOM provides command and control of Department of Defense homeland defense efforts and coordinates defense support of civil authorities.

Reservists in the 302nd AW care for patients on aeromedical evacuation missions, and flight crews perform aerial firefighting with the Modular Airborne Firefighting System II unit. Wing C-130 aircraft equipped with MAFFS II units go into action during an emergency. The emergency must exceed the capabilities of local, state and federal agencies before USNORTHCOM becomes involved and calls on DOD support. The visit also showcased other capabilities wing reservists can provide to civilian-related missions if called upon.

Reservists in the 302nd AW have been flying MAFFS missions since 1993.