April Dinner Meeting

Guest Speaker: Tom O’Keefe

The Aviation Behind California’s Wildfire Battles

When massive wildfires erupt across California, one of the most powerful weapons used to fight them comes from the sky.

On Wednesday, April 8, join the Inland Empire Wing for a fascinating look inside the aviation operations that support wildfire suppression across Southern California.

Our guest speaker, IEW member Tom O’Keefe, spent years working within the California Department of Forestry aviation program, helping coordinate and manage the aircraft that play a critical role in protecting lives, property, and communities during major fire events.

Wildfires in Southern California often require multiple agencies to coordinate their efforts, with aviation assets playing a key role in controlling large fires and supporting firefighters on the ground.  

During this presentation, Tom will take us behind the scenes of aerial firefighting operations and discuss:

• How firefighting aircraft are deployed during major fires

• The role of air attack aircraft, tankers, and helicopters

• The logistics of coordinating multiple aircraft over an active fire

• What it takes to support firefighters from the air

• Stories and lessons learned from real-world operations

Whether you are passionate about aviation, interested in emergency response, or simply want to learn more about how aircraft help protect California communities, this presentation will offer a unique inside perspective.

Dinner Meeting Schedule

Happy Hour: 5:30 PM

Dinner: 6:00 PM

Guest Speaker Presentation: Following Dinner

Come early, enjoy dinner with fellow members, and be part of another great evening of aviation, history, and community at the Commemorative Air Force Inland Empire Wing.

Reserve your seat today, bring a friend, and join us for an evening supporting the mission of preserving and flying historic aircraft.

Schedule

When: Second Wednesday of each month

Happy Hour: 1730

Dinner & Meeting: 1800