C-130s from the 910th conduct spray missions

In 2005, C-130s from the 910th sprayed 2.8 million acres after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

STAFF REPORT

VIENNA — An Air Force Reserve aerial spray-modified C-130H from the 910th Airlift Wing at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station, along with 10-member crew, has been deployed to conduct aerial spray missions in areas of Louisiana affected by hurricanes.

The spray missions primarily target mosquitoes and filth flies to prevent outbreaks of diseases such as West Nile virus and various types of encephalitis, said Capt. Brent J. Davis, 910th public affairs officer.

In 2005, three specially equipped C-130s from the 910th Airlift Wing sprayed for 38 days, covering 2.8 million acres of Louisiana and Texas in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Barksdale Air Force Base, La., is the base of operations for the air crews and maintenance personnel, chosen because of its proximity to the spray area, ability to handle C-130H aircraft and support the mission without conflicting with other relief efforts, Davis said.

In coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state public health officials, the spray crews are planning to spray Southwestern Louisiana, then work other affected areas as required.

Each aerial spray-modified C-130H is capable of spraying approximately 80,000 acres per day. Spray missions are normally conducted at dusk when the insects are most active, Davis said.

“The product that will be used to combat the disease-spreading insects is Dibrom, which is an extremely effective material for mosquito control, and at the amounts that are applied, is an extremely safe material as well. Typically we apply Dibrom at a rate of 1‚Ñ2 to 1 ounce per acre,” said Dr. (Maj.) Karl Haagsma, a research entomologist with the 910th Airlift Wing.

“When properly applied at these application rates, Dibrom is virtually nontoxic to humans, while eliminating a majority of the flying mosquito population.”

Dibrom is an EPA registered insecticide, and is currently in use for many mosquito control programs throughout the country.

Every effort will be made to ensure the public is informed what areas will be sprayed on a daily basis, Dr. Haagsma said.

The 910th Airlift Wing is the only unit in the Department of Defense that is tasked to maintain a full-time, fixed-wing aerial spray capability.

Four specially-modified C-130H aircraft from the 910th are used to conduct aerial spray missions to control insects, vegetation on military installations and oil spills.

alcorn@vindy.com