World’s largest fire-fighting helitanker based at JFTB

From jet fighters to transport aircraft, the Los Alamitos Army Airfield at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos has played host to a variety of aircraft since it was first established as a Naval Air Station in 1942.

As of this month, the airfield also serves as home base for the world’s largest helitanker, which will work from the airfield for the remainder of the year.

As part of a robust partnership between the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the California National Guard, the largest and most capable heavylift helicopter in the world is supporting 24/7 firefighting efforts as Southern California enters the peak of the unprecedented wildfire season it is currently experiencing..

Operated by Coulson Aviation, Inc., the “Very Large” CH-47 Chinook Helitanker (VLHT) is equipped with a state-of-the-art Retardant Aerial Delivery System (RADS) and can deliver a payload of 3,000 gallons of water or retardant in a single pass over a wildfire. Its capabilities also include day and night vision goggle firefighting operations, infrared technology and the ability to hover-fill, even at night.

“Joint Forces Training Base is extremely proud to support this endeavor, and our state agency partners that are working in support of the governor’s priorities to protect lives and property across the state,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Michael Leeney, JFTB installation commander. “We look forward to timely and successful firefighting operations being conducted from the base through this program for as long as there is a need.”

—from the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base

-Col. (CA) Richard Lalor, photo