California National Guard

09/08/2026

Six years ago, over the Labor Day weekend, California National Guard air crews launched into one of the most challenging search-and-rescue missions in California wildfire history, rescuing 242 people trapped by the flames.

Hear the story and watch the mission in the full documentary here: https://youtu.be/LH6nv_ScuBw?si=rpUnhBTtMinEMKPF

09/07/2026

Six years ago, over the Labor Day weekend, Cal Guard aircrews launched into one of the most challenging search-and-rescue missions in California wildfire history.

Hear the story of that night from the Cal Guard air crews who flew in.
A new documentary brings together the firsthand accounts of the aircrews, cell phone footage from those trapped at Mammoth Pool, and news coverage from the unfolding rescue.

See the mission. Hear the stories. Experience the night that 242 people will never forget.
Watch the documentary and discover what it took to bring them home.

When the Creek Fire exploded in Fresno County in September of 2020,...

09/04/2026

Six years ago today, the Creek Fire ignited in Fresno and Madera counties, forcing hundreds of people to flee for their lives.

24 hours later, as CAL FIRE and first responders battled the flames, Cal Guard aircrews were called for a search-and-rescue mission: dozens of families were trapped at Mammoth Pool Reservoir with the fire closing in.

Over one long night, our aircrews evacuated 242 people from Mammoth Pool.

Six years later, a new documentary tells the story through the crew members who carried out the rescue, along with cell phone footage and news coverage from that night.

When the historic Creek Fire rapidly surrounded Mammoth Pool Reserv...

08/26/2026

For more than three decades, California and Ukraine have stood together.

Last night, Maj. Gen. Matthew Beevers joined California’s Ukrainian community at the State Capitol to mark Ukrainian Independence Day and reaffirm our enduring partnership and support for the people of Ukraine.

🇺🇸🇺🇦 Governor Gavin Newsom The National Guard U.S. Embassy Kyiv Ukraine

08/10/2026

Check the latest story from Cal Guard’s Grizzly magazine!
BTS: Cal Guard and CAL FIRE 2026 Aerial Firefighting Training

Cal Guard and CAL FIRE collaborate during 2026 annual wildland firefighting training in helicopters and on the ground.

08/07/2026

This is what all-of-California wildfire readiness looks like in action.
Meet Joint Task Force Rattlesnake | Your Cal Guard on the frontlines

Today, 5 Rattlesnake hand crews are supporting the , with a 6th on the . Made up entirely of Cal Guard personnel, Joint Task Force Rattlesnake fields 14 full-time Type I hand crews, each led by CAL FIRE, that support wildfire operations year-round. These crews construct and strengthen fireline, clear vegetation, and perform the demanding work needed to help slow a wildfire’s spread wherever they’re needed. Governor Gavin Newsom CAL FIRE Cal OES CAL FIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit CALFIRE MEU U.S. National Guard

07/30/2026

Most people see a cargo plane. We see one of only eight in the nation equipped for this mission.

Developed by the U.S. Forest Service and flown by highly trained military aircrews, these aircraft can deliver up to 3,000 gallons of fire retardant in less than five seconds. This week, firefighting C-130s are staged in Northern California to support wildfire operations, wherever and whenever needed.

Video includes footage captured during training and operations throughout this year’s wildfire season.
National Interagency Fire Center U.S. Forest Service The National Guard Wyoming National Guard Governor Gavin Newsom California Governor's Office of Emergency Services 146th Airlift Wing MAFFS - Air Expeditionary Group

07/18/2026

These things we do, that others may live.

These California National Guard pararescuemen with the 129th Rescue Wing jumped from an HC-130J Combat King II aircraft into the Pacific Ocean and rescued a seriously injured fisherman from a boat 700 nautical miles out at sea.

07/17/2026

4 of 14 total Cal Guard Rattlesnake hand crews are assigned to active wildfires across California.
Working under CAL FIRE leadership and applying the training, experience, and discipline they’ve built year-round, their mission continues wherever they’re needed most. CAL FIRE Butte County Kern County Fire Department CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire Governor Gavin Newsom Cal OES CAL FIRE U.S. National Guard

07/14/2026

When every minute matters, partnerships save lives.
On July 11, a hiker suffered serious injuries after a fall while descending Carson Peak in Mono County’s steep and rugged mountain terrain. Mono County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue teams immediately mobilized, navigating challenging conditions to reach and provide care to the injured hiker.
Following a request from CAL OES, a California Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk aircrew launched to support the rescue. Operating through the night in steep terrain and challenging mountain conditions, the crew provided specialized hoist capabilities to safely extract the hiker from a remote cliffside location.
Through teamwork, perseverance, and coordination among local, state, and military partners, the hiker was safely transported for medical care.
Cal Guard stands ready to provide critical capabilities whenever California calls.
Governor Gavin Newsom Cal OES Mono County Sheriff's Office Mono County Sheriff SAR