07/23/2026
Joint Forces Mitigate Wildfire Risk at U.S. Naval Observatory Flagstaff
With the massive Pocket Fire actively threatening the region, fire crews from NAF El Centro and Naval Base Ventura County were rapidly deployed to the U.S. Naval Observatory Flagstaff (NOFS) to spearhead a vital wildland preparation and risk mitigation initiative. Since igniting on June 19, 2026, the wildfire has scorched 23,451 acres of the Coconino National Forest approximately 7 miles north of Sedona, Arizona, remaining at just 25% containment with over 1,100 personnel assigned as of July 3, 2026.
Operating directly within this high-risk environment from June 30 to July 3, 2026, the deployed crews focused on aggressive fuel reduction, removing dangerous trees, clearing ladder fuels, and establishing a robust defensible space supporting critical Navy infrastructure ahead of potential imminent fire danger. Under the command of Battalion Chief Jordan Marasso, these specialized teams worked in seamless coordination with the Ponderosa Fire Department and the U.S. Forest Service (Coconino) to clear dense vegetation around the observatory grounds. Thanks to their rapid response and tactical ex*****on, the operation concluded with zero injuries and no equipment damage, highlighting the indispensable role fire crews play in reinforcing local defenses and protecting high-value national assets under immediate threat.
