Navy Fire Fighting by Air

Helicopter Sea Combat Support 85 uses H-60S to help fight California wildfires:

"This is a complicated airspace. We are having to coordinate our mission with all of the other helicopter flying," added Pringle. "HSC-85 is very capable of being where it needs to be."

The squadron is the only one in the San Diego area trained to provide firefighting support to military installations and trains for this mission regularly. That training was proven valuable in the California Cedar Fires of 2003, detailing operating procedures and the type of support the Navy could provide in fire emergencies.

"It is tough out there, but by us being out here we are adding another dimension by providing air support," said Lt. Cmdr. Brian Wilderman, operations officer at HSC-85.

The helicopters each carry 420 gallons of water, a four-member aircrew team and were launched to help with firefighting efforts Oct 22.

Photo captions:

1. Crew members aboard a MH-60S Seahawk helicopter activate a release button, dumping 420 gallons of water below them on a burning target. HSC-85 has teamed up with the San Diego California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to help put out the wild fires blazing across Southern California. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dustin Kelling (RELEASED)

2.

Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class Danny Vickers helps guide pilots while scooping water from a lake near raging wildfires in San Diego County. Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 85 has teamed up with the San Diego California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to help put out the wildfires blazing across Southern California. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jon Husman (RELEASED)

3.

An MH-60S Seahawk helicopter retrieves water from a lake near the wildfires in San Diego. Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 85 has teamed up with the San Diego California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to help put out the wildfires blazing across Southern California. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jon Husman (RELEASED)

BZ, 85!