The commander of the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos said this week that base personnel have been very active in coordinating significant movements on the base to support the firefighting effort of local authorities.
“We are here to serve, and we are doing the best we can,” said Lt. Col. Dan Fox, the commander of the Los Al military base on Monday.
Fox said he could provide general information about the activities and stressed that this was a state effort in support of the local authorities.
“This is not a military operation,” said Fox. “We are in support.”
After Gov. Gavin Newsome activated troops of the California National Guard, Fox said they began supporting the deployment of military police units to the affected area.
“This is in direct support of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Office and the Los Angeles Police Departments, said Fox, again stressing the Guard was simply in support mode for whatever local law enforcement authorities needed such as traffic coordination.
Reports circulated that two additional Cal. Guard Blackhawks and five so-called Firehawks helicopters from San Diego shuttled into the base for water bucket missions. Fox confirmed the heavy presence of helicopter activity at the base during the past week, however, he said actual specifics were hard to determine in such a fluid situation.
“I do know that there are plenty of helicopters in and out,” he said.
Fox also said the Guard has deployed “Rapid Response” units in support of the Los Angeles County and City Fire Departments.
“We are providing daily support to the effort in support of local authorities,” said Fox.
Gov. Newsom has ordered the deployment of guard personnel to support the fire fight as well as other specialized missions as needed.