Congressman views operations at Austin air tanker base up close
Air Force Reserve Master Sgt. Ken Valdez explains the inner workings of the Modular Airborne Fighting System, or "MAFFS" II, to Congressman Michael McCaul Sept. 11 at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Texas. The congressman, who represents the 10th District of Texas, received a first-hand look at both civilian and military aerial firefighting aircraft and spoke with the Airmen assigned to the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group about their role in the Modular Airborne Firefighting System mission. Texas's 10th District stretches from Austin to the western outskirts of Houston. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Stephen J. Collier)