USFS cancels Aero Union contract

I just got back in town after being away for a couple of weeks in northern New England with limited internet access through wireless hotspots. So, while I was able to access my e-mail and do some blog posting, I was unable to keep up with most current events affecting the tanker and helo biz. While I was checking my e-mail a couple of hours ago, I saw a note from a friend telling me that the USFS had canceled its contract with Aero Union. He referred me to this press release from the US Forest Service, saying in part

The U.S. Forest Service announced today that it has terminated its contract with Aero Union of Sacramento, Calif., because the company failed to meet its contractual obligations. The company was providing six airtankers under exclusive-use contracts to the Forest Service.

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Aero Union had six P-3 Orion's under contract which are now grounded, leaving 11 P-2's under exclusive use contract and two very large airtankers under a call when needed contract.

You might also want to read the article that Bill Gabbert of Wildfire Today reported on the cancellation of the Aero Union contract in an article he wrote yesterday. Some of you may have already read Bill's article or heard the news elsewhere.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm still absorbing the news. I'm in shock. And hot and dirty from a 450 mile drive.

I will continue with my series on the B-17's service as an airtanker on Monday. And, of course, I will report back if there is further news on the termination of the Aero Union contract.