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National Guard News
Airmen from the 146th Airlift Wing, 152nd Airlift Wing and the 302nd Airlift Wing train alongside CAL FIRE ground crews during their annual Modular Airborne Firefighting System, or MAFFS, recertification training at McClellan Air Tanker Base, Sacramento, Calif., April 20, 2026. The MAFFS is a roll on and off system that enables a military C-130 aircraft to become a firefighting air tanker that can spread thousands of gallons of fire retardant, aiding ground crews to supress wildfires. The training ensures that aircrews and support personnel remain qualified to operate the MAFFS system and fly into hazardous fire areas at any time of year. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Michelle Ulber.
California Guard Conducts Training Ahead of Wildfire Season
By Tech. Sgt. Michelle Ulber, | April 22, 2026
McCLELLAN AIR TANKER STATION, SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Airmen with the 146th Airlift Wing began their annual Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System, or MAFFS, recertification and training April 20, in preparation to support aerial...
Exercise Cope Thunder 26-1 participants pose for a group photo after the opening ceremony at Clark Air Base, Philippines, April 6, 2026. Cope Thunder provides a unique platform to integrate U.S. and Philippine Air Forces and enhance interoperability through bilateral fighter training, subject matter expert exchanges and key leadership engagements. Photo by Staff Sgt. Jordan Garner.
US, Philippine Airmen Strengthen Partnership in Cope Thunder
By Staff Sgt. Jordan Garner, | April 22, 2026
CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines – U.S. Pacific Air Forces and Philippine Air Force members participated April 6-17 in Exercise Cope Thunder 26-1, aimed at strengthening partnerships and supporting the Philippine Air Force’s...
Two Oklahoma National Guardsmen replace a drone’s battery during Exercise Lightning Strike at Camp Gruber Training Center, Oklahoma, April 15, 2026. The Oklahoma National Guard, in partnership with Oklahoma Office of Emergency Management, hosted Exercise Lightning Strike, a domestic exercise scenario of an EF5 tornado. At the center of the exercise is the integration of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) across various scenarios, enabling real-time data sharing, improved situational awareness and more effective coordination among participating agencies. Exercise Lightning Strike brings together a wide range of agencies to operate within a shared framework, reinforcing the Guard’s role in supporting civil authorities during domestic incidents and natural disasters. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Sgt. Anthony Ackah-Mensah)
Oklahoma Guard Hosts Exercise Lightning Strike
By Sgt. Dannielle Rayon, | April 22, 2026
MUSKOGEE, Okla. – The Oklahoma National Guard, in partnership with the Oklahoma Office of Emergency Management, recently hosted Exercise Lightning Strike, a domestic training exercise using drones to respond to a simulated...
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