Los Angeles, United States - January 11, 2025 PACIFIC PALISADES, CA – High above the smoke-choked hills of Pacific Palisades, a California Air National Guard MAFFS 6 C-130J Super Hercules is hard at work, supporting firefighting efforts against the fierce Palisades Fire. On January 11, 2025, this specialized aircraft, equipped with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS), dropped a line of fire retardant onto the mountains above the city to help slow the inferno's relentless spread. As part of the U.S. Northern Command’s Defense Support of Civil Authorities mission, the Department of Defense is deploying critical assets to assist in wildland firefighting efforts, including MAFFS-equipped aircraft, military helicopters, and ground forces. These assets, authorized by the National Interagency Fire Center and approved by the Secretary of Defense, provide a rapid and effective response to minimize destruction and protect lives and property in the face of devastating wildfires. The California Air National Guard's 146th Airlift Wing is one of the key contributors, demonstrating the power of military cooperation in the battle against one of the most challenging fire seasons in recent history.