146th Airlift Wing Commander's Message
Address from the 146th Airlift Wing Commander to the 146 Wing Association:
Hollywood Guard,
As we reflect on the past year, it is impossible not to feel profound pride in the resilience, professionalism, and unwavering commitment of the men and women of the 146th Airlift Wing. From historic firefighting operations and demanding combat readiness evaluations to infrastructure challenges and the longest federal budget stalemate in our nation’s history, our Airmen faced every obstacle with the kind of determination and excellence that continues to define the Hollywood Guard.
The year began at a pace few could have anticipated. In January, our wing was mobilized to support the firefighting response to the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles County—marking the earliest MAFFS activation in over 50 years of our participation in the program. This unprecedented winter mobilization reaffirmed something well understood in the aerial firefighting community: there is no “off-season” for this mission. Readiness must be constant, and excellence cannot wait for summer.
Standing up MAFFS during what was traditionally considered downtime required extensive coordination across operations, maintenance, logistics, and training pipelines. Our crews rose to the occasion, conducting 12 drops and delivering more than 30,000 gallons of retardant—all while simultaneously preparing for the annual certification cycle that normally begins later in the spring. Their ability to pivot, adapt, and execute with precision underlined exactly why the Hollywood Guard is trusted at the national level for this critical, life-saving mission.
Our commitment to the wildfire fight did not stop there. As spring approached, we hosted annual MAFFS certification at Channel Islands, completing one of the most seamless and comprehensive training events to date. The certification ensured that three Instructor Pilots, eight Aircraft Commanders, 10 Copilots, six Instructor Loadmasters, and 12 Mission Loadmasters were either certified, recertified, or upgraded. During this period, our aircrews supported operations across California, Oregon, and Arizona—flying more than 43 hours and delivering over 107,000 gallons of retardant across 42 successful drops. Additionally, two of our MAFFS crews completed National Aerial Supervision Training Academy requirements at Fort Huachuca, further expanding our depth, experience, and interagency capability.
Meanwhile, our aeromedical professionals demonstrated the strength of joint integration and multi-domain readiness. The 146th Aeromedical Squadron and the Critical Care Air Transportation Team participated in Sentry South Southern Strike 2025 alongside the U.S. Navy’s HSC-26 at Gulfport CRTC. This exercise involved more than 500 service members across the Active, Guard, and Reserve components and strengthened our ability to conduct contingency response, agile combat employment, aeromedical evacuation, maritime coordination, and specialized airlift operations. Their performance reaffirmed that our medical teams are among the finest in the Total Force—highly skilled, mission-focused, and capable of operating in any environment.
Our wing’s major combat readiness evaluation—Exercise Pacific Grizzly—tested every corner of the installation. This multi-phase event was designed to challenge our ability to operate in contested, degraded, and operationally limited environments. The wing executed a rapid deployment phase involving the majority of our 146 AW personnel and equipment resulting in a significant cargo movement. Our C-130J aircraft supported the movement of a Mission Generation Force Element consisting of pilots, maintainers, and support personnel trained to deliver specific combat capabilities.
This exercise demanded enormous planning and synchronization from our Inspector General team, as well as extraordinary adaptability and professionalism from every Airman on the ground and in the air. Their performance not only validated our readiness—it demonstrated to Air Mobility Command that the Hollywood Guard remains committed to delivering combat capability anytime, anywhere.
Throughout the year, we also celebrated important leadership milestones. In March, during a ceremony presided over by Maj. Gen. Steven Butow, Col. Shawna Pavey assumed command of the 146th Airlift Wing, joined by Command Chief Michelle Jeffries. In August, we welcomed our new Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Enrique Lopez in an Assumption of Responsibility and our new Maintenance Group Commander, Lt Col Michael Baird in an Assumption of Command, both inside the Fuel Cell hangar. Their expert leadership and dedication provide unmatched guidance for our enlisted and officer corps alike.
The wing also hosted one of the largest recognition ceremonies in our history, celebrating Airmen distinguished by AMC’s Inspector General for outstanding performance during the combat readiness inspection. Their achievements reflect not only individual excellence but also the collective strength of this outstanding Airlift Wing.
Later in the year, our Public Affairs team led one of the most unique and high-visibility projects ever undertaken at Channel Islands. The Air Force Recruiting and Retention marketing team transformed our Fuel Cell hangar and one of our C-130s into a full-scale filming environment for a multi-million-dollar, 4-D immersive MAFFS experience designed for national recruiting outreach. In just three days, the production crew constructed a massive video wall, lighting system, and effects panels inside our hangar—using our aircraft and our Airmen to bring this story to life. This project showcased not only our mission, but the professionalism and talent of the men and women who carry it out every day.
In October, after serving as the wing’s Deputy Commander, I had the honor of assuming command of the Hollywood Guard. We closed the fiscal year strong, only to immediately face the challenges of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Yet through the resilience of our Airmen—and the tremendous support of our Resiliency Team, First Sergeants, and Wing Association—we weathered this unprecedented period with unity and determination.
As we enter the holiday season, I want to express my deepest gratitude. For more than 100 years, the Hollywood Guard has served our state, nation, and communities with honor. What our Airmen achieved this year is nothing short of extraordinary. Their professionalism inspires me every day, and your support—through the Wing Association and through this community— remains an essential part of our strength.
On behalf of the 146th Airlift Wing, thank you for your unwavering support. We wish you a joyful holiday season, and we look forward to continuing to serve with pride in the year ahead.
#HollywoodGuard Forever
Colonel Christopher M. Lutz
Commander, 146th Airlift Wing
Hollywood Guard,
As we reflect on the past year, it is impossible not to feel profound pride in the resilience, professionalism, and unwavering commitment of the men and women of the 146th Airlift Wing. From historic firefighting operations and demanding combat readiness evaluations to infrastructure challenges and the longest federal budget stalemate in our nation’s history, our Airmen faced every obstacle with the kind of determination and excellence that continues to define the Hollywood Guard.
The year began at a pace few could have anticipated. In January, our wing was mobilized to support the firefighting response to the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles County—marking the earliest MAFFS activation in over 50 years of our participation in the program. This unprecedented winter mobilization reaffirmed something well understood in the aerial firefighting community: there is no “off-season” for this mission. Readiness must be constant, and excellence cannot wait for summer.
Standing up MAFFS during what was traditionally considered downtime required extensive coordination across operations, maintenance, logistics, and training pipelines. Our crews rose to the occasion, conducting 12 drops and delivering more than 30,000 gallons of retardant—all while simultaneously preparing for the annual certification cycle that normally begins later in the spring. Their ability to pivot, adapt, and execute with precision underlined exactly why the Hollywood Guard is trusted at the national level for this critical, life-saving mission.
Our commitment to the wildfire fight did not stop there. As spring approached, we hosted annual MAFFS certification at Channel Islands, completing one of the most seamless and comprehensive training events to date. The certification ensured that three Instructor Pilots, eight Aircraft Commanders, 10 Copilots, six Instructor Loadmasters, and 12 Mission Loadmasters were either certified, recertified, or upgraded. During this period, our aircrews supported operations across California, Oregon, and Arizona—flying more than 43 hours and delivering over 107,000 gallons of retardant across 42 successful drops. Additionally, two of our MAFFS crews completed National Aerial Supervision Training Academy requirements at Fort Huachuca, further expanding our depth, experience, and interagency capability.
Meanwhile, our aeromedical professionals demonstrated the strength of joint integration and multi-domain readiness. The 146th Aeromedical Squadron and the Critical Care Air Transportation Team participated in Sentry South Southern Strike 2025 alongside the U.S. Navy’s HSC-26 at Gulfport CRTC. This exercise involved more than 500 service members across the Active, Guard, and Reserve components and strengthened our ability to conduct contingency response, agile combat employment, aeromedical evacuation, maritime coordination, and specialized airlift operations. Their performance reaffirmed that our medical teams are among the finest in the Total Force—highly skilled, mission-focused, and capable of operating in any environment.
Our wing’s major combat readiness evaluation—Exercise Pacific Grizzly—tested every corner of the installation. This multi-phase event was designed to challenge our ability to operate in contested, degraded, and operationally limited environments. The wing executed a rapid deployment phase involving the majority of our 146 AW personnel and equipment resulting in a significant cargo movement. Our C-130J aircraft supported the movement of a Mission Generation Force Element consisting of pilots, maintainers, and support personnel trained to deliver specific combat capabilities.
This exercise demanded enormous planning and synchronization from our Inspector General team, as well as extraordinary adaptability and professionalism from every Airman on the ground and in the air. Their performance not only validated our readiness—it demonstrated to Air Mobility Command that the Hollywood Guard remains committed to delivering combat capability anytime, anywhere.
Throughout the year, we also celebrated important leadership milestones. In March, during a ceremony presided over by Maj. Gen. Steven Butow, Col. Shawna Pavey assumed command of the 146th Airlift Wing, joined by Command Chief Michelle Jeffries. In August, we welcomed our new Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Enrique Lopez in an Assumption of Responsibility and our new Maintenance Group Commander, Lt Col Michael Baird in an Assumption of Command, both inside the Fuel Cell hangar. Their expert leadership and dedication provide unmatched guidance for our enlisted and officer corps alike.
The wing also hosted one of the largest recognition ceremonies in our history, celebrating Airmen distinguished by AMC’s Inspector General for outstanding performance during the combat readiness inspection. Their achievements reflect not only individual excellence but also the collective strength of this outstanding Airlift Wing.
Later in the year, our Public Affairs team led one of the most unique and high-visibility projects ever undertaken at Channel Islands. The Air Force Recruiting and Retention marketing team transformed our Fuel Cell hangar and one of our C-130s into a full-scale filming environment for a multi-million-dollar, 4-D immersive MAFFS experience designed for national recruiting outreach. In just three days, the production crew constructed a massive video wall, lighting system, and effects panels inside our hangar—using our aircraft and our Airmen to bring this story to life. This project showcased not only our mission, but the professionalism and talent of the men and women who carry it out every day.
In October, after serving as the wing’s Deputy Commander, I had the honor of assuming command of the Hollywood Guard. We closed the fiscal year strong, only to immediately face the challenges of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Yet through the resilience of our Airmen—and the tremendous support of our Resiliency Team, First Sergeants, and Wing Association—we weathered this unprecedented period with unity and determination.
As we enter the holiday season, I want to express my deepest gratitude. For more than 100 years, the Hollywood Guard has served our state, nation, and communities with honor. What our Airmen achieved this year is nothing short of extraordinary. Their professionalism inspires me every day, and your support—through the Wing Association and through this community— remains an essential part of our strength.
On behalf of the 146th Airlift Wing, thank you for your unwavering support. We wish you a joyful holiday season, and we look forward to continuing to serve with pride in the year ahead.
#HollywoodGuard Forever
Colonel Christopher M. Lutz
Commander, 146th Airlift Wing