9. Big Pines

Description: A short public service spot introducing the Grumman S-2, a former Navy submarine hunter, as a firefighting air tanker for California. As late as the 1970s, California was still battling wildfires with modified single engine, WWII surplus aircraft. When introduced, the dual engine S-2 represented a giant leap forward for firefighting aircraft in speed, capability and safety. California's acquisition of 17 naval S-2 aircraft quickly became the backbone of the fleet of California's firefighting air tankers. A newer version, (the S-2T), is still in use today. This short public relations piece introduces the "fancy" new equipment to the citizens of California who it would go on to protect for the next two decades.