Wildfire Response

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National Guard Members Continue LA Wildfire Response
January 21, 2025 — LOS ANGELES – U.S. Army Sgt. Ricardo Hernandez watched from a cross street as sporadic traffic... MORE

U.S. Army Sgt. Bryce Carter, an infantryman with C Company, 1st Battalion, 160th Infantry Regiment, California Army National Guard, sharpens the blade of a hoe to clear brush and other debris as part of remediation efforts along the Mulholland Trail near Tarzana, California, in the aftermath of the Palisades Fire, Jan. 18, 2025. Carter and other members of his unit were assisting CALFIRE in mop-up efforts, which included clearing brush and backfilling firebreaks and other areas to prevent mudslides and reduce the impact of firefighting efforts.

California Guardsman Helps Battle Wildfires in His Community
January 16, 2025 — CHANNEL ISLANDS AIR NATIONAL GUARD STATION, Calif. - Amid the wildfire crisis in California, an Air... MORE

Master Sgt. Alan Franklin, a commander's support Airman with the 146th Airlift Wing, speaks to 1st Lt. Aiden Flores about the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System mission on the flightline at Channel Islands Air National Guard Station, Port Hueneme, California, Jan. 13, 2025. MAFFS aircraft from the Air National Guard’s 153rd Airlift Wing, Cheyenne, Wyoming, the 152nd Airlift Wing, Reno, Nevada, the 146th Airlift Wing, Port Hueneme, California, and Air Force Reserve Command’s 302 AW, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, are working together to combat fires in the Los Angeles area.

National Guard Bureau Chief Thanks Firefighting Guardsmen
January 14, 2025 — CHANNEL ISLANDS AIR NATIONAL GUARD STATION, Calif. – The National Guard is part of a multi-agency... MORE

Air Force Gen. Steve Nordhaus, chief, National Guard Bureau, and Army Senior Enlisted Advisor John Raines, SEA to the CNGB, visit National Guard members supporting wildland firefighting in Southern California, Channel Islands Air National Guard Station, Calif., Jan. 11, 2025. Thousands of National Guardsmen are involved in multiple air and ground firefighting in the Los Angeles Basin and Southern California.

Wyoming, Nevada Guard Aircrews Assist California Firefighters
January 13, 2025 — CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Three Wyoming Air National Guard C-130s equipped with the U.S. Forest Service’s... MORE

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 153rd Airlift Wing load and install the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems onto a C-130H Hercules aircraft in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Jan. 10, 2025, in preparation to support firefighting efforts in the Los Angeles area.

California, Nevada, Wyoming Guard Join Firefighting Battle
January 10, 2025 — MOFFETT AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Calif. - Hundreds of National Guard members are now involved in... MORE

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, at Moffett Air National Guard Base, Calif., prepare an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter to help battle the Palisades Fire Jan. 9, 2025.

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SLD 30 Deputy Commander Col. Michael Jewell Bids VSFB Farewell

Space Launch Delta 30

April 28, 2025 | 0:10

VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. – After a distinguished tenure, U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Jewell, Space Launch Delta 30 deputy commander, is preparing to depart Vandenberg SFB and begin the next chapter of his career at RAF Fairford, United Kingdom.

With nearly four decades of military service, Jewell brought a plethora of experience, energy, and commitment to Vandenberg and its local community. Since joining the team, he has overseen critical base operations including security, logistics, civil engineering, and quality-of-life initiatives.
Jewell’s leadership was especially pivotal in driving base-wide improvements, strengthening community partnerships, and enforcing mission readiness for over 10,000 service members, families, and government contractors.

“I think one of the best things about being here at Vandenberg has been seeing the Delta evolve over the last two years,” said Jewell. “I watched Guardians and Airmen get so involved in the mission, and that in its own is an irreplaceable and boundless experience.”

Before arriving at Vandenberg, Jewell's career spanned multiple continents and command positions, from Alaska to the United Arab Emirates, from the U.S. Air Force Academy to Al Udeid Air Base. He began his journey in 1986 as an enlisted airman in the Oklahoma Air National Guard and has since climbed the ranks to colonel, which he promoted to in June 2022. His dedication to both professional growth and mentorship has shown through every assignment.

“I always look at the three elements of leading: the mission, the people, and then there’s you as a leader, and only one of those stays constant,” said Jewell. “I’ve learned to change and adapt my leadership style to best suit the mission and the people I am leading. Every group of airmen I’ve worked with have been different, and I’ve always appreciated the chance to see such a wide range of our Airmen.”

As he transitions to his new assignment at RAF Fairford, Jewell is dedicated to bringing the same standard of excellence, loyalty and service to his new role as the 501st Combat Support Wing commander.

“I’m 38 years deep into my time in service, and even as I head to my next assignment in the U.K., I have so much drive and dedication in me that I’m not ready to stop yet,” said Jewell. “What keeps me getting up in the morning is the Airmen I get to work with every day and being reminded of why I joined this service all those years ago.”

Jewell leaves behind his legacy of integrity, loyalty, and devoted leadership as a model officer who will be deeply missed by the community of Vandenberg. Team V cheers him on as he goes forth with his military career, inspiring the next generation of service members.