Sgt. Zachary Vehrs, an aircraft engineer with B Company, 1-126th Aviation Regiment, observes the Bambi Bucket during the Rocky Fire near Clearlake, Calif., Aug. 1. Vehrs listens to his fellow crew members who direct him when to release water from the Bambi Bucket during firefighting missions. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Jason Beal/Released)
A CH-47 Chinook helicopter from the 1-126th Aviation Regiment prepares to approach for a water drop during the Rocky Fire near Clearlake, Calif., Aug. 1. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Jason Beal/Released)
A CH-47 Chinook helicopter from the 1-126th Aviation Regiment prepares to approach for a water drop during the Rocky Fire near Clearlake, Calif., Aug. 1. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Jason Beal/Released)
Capt. Bob Drexel, an aircraft engineer with CAL FIRE, scans the right side of the aircraft during the Rocky Fire near Clearlake, Calif., Aug. 1. Drexel’s position on the aircraft requires him to scan for potential hazards and help direct the release of the Bambi Bucket. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Jason Beal/Released)
Spc. Justin Castillo, an aircraft engineer with B Company, 1-126th Aviation Regiment, observes the right side of the aircraft during the Rocky Fire near Clearlake, Calif., Aug. 1. Castillo’s responsibilities are to scan for potential hazards and help direct the release of the Bambi Bucket. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Jason Beal/Released)
Multiple California National Guard helicopters perform water-dropping missions during the Rocky Fire near Clearlake, Calif., Aug. 1. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Jason Beal/Released)
Spc. Justin Castillo, an aircraft engineer with B Company, 1-126th Aviation Regiment, observes the right side of the aircraft for potential hazards during the Rocky Fire near Clearlake, Calif., Aug. 1. The four-man crew works together to orchestrate an expertly-timed water drop. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Jason Beal/released)
