302nd Airlift Wing - Peterson AFB, Colo.

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302nd Airlift Wing

The 302nd Airlift Wing, Colorado's only Air Force Reserve flying unit, is the largest tenant organization at Peterson Air Force Base. Approximately 1,300 Reserve Airmen and 200 Active Duty Airmen are assigned to the Wing. The Wing also employs approximately 225 civilians including roughly 200 Air Reserve Technicians, or ARTs who hold dual civilian and reserve positions. The wing is one of nine C-130 Air Force Reserve units with an airdrop and airlift mission located throughout the nation. The wing is assigned 12 C-130H3 Hercules aircraft, which are flown by the wing's 731st and 52nd Airlift Squadrons. To learn more about the 302nd AW, click on the unit's shield above.

Modular Airborne Firefighting System

In the 1970s, Congress established the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System Program to aid the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service with fighting wildland forest fires. When all other civilian air tankers are activated but further assistance is needed, the Forest Service can request the aid of the U.S. Air Force's MAFFS units, which can include the 302nd Airlift Wing. To learn more about this important mission, click on the aircraft performing a MAFFS water drop.

Inside 302nd AW

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C-130 Hercules

The 302nd Airlift Wing makes use of the C-130 Hercules to perform its primary mission of tactical airlift and airdrop. The aircraft is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips and is the prime transport for air dropping troops and equipment into hostile or austere areas. The C-130 operates throughout the U.S. Air Force, including the Air Force Reserve Command, and fulfills a wide range of operational missions in both peace and war situations. Click on the aircraft to learn more about the versatile C-130 Hercules.