Remarks: I dedicate my 500th to all the hard working pilots, maintainers and other employees of Aero Union who, after 50 years of dedication to fighting wildfires have lost their jobs due to a combination of factors leading to the USFS decision to terminate their contract with the company, ironically a year to the date this photo was taken. Thank you for all the hard work saving countless homes, other property, and most likely lives. May you be back soon! 1600px wide.
Remarks: Despite all the background clutter I am still happy with this photo for obvious reasons! Tanker 23 just starting to taxi to the hot load ramp to fill up with retardant after sitting idle for a few hours due to weather. In the background Tanker 55 (N355MA/SP-2H) and sister P-3A Tanker 21 (N921AU) are already getting their loads of retardant.
