07/14/2026
Rolling Out of Casper
The sun breaks slow on Wyoming skies,
As dawn paints gold where the Platte River lies.
The ramp comes alive before first light’s glow,
At Casper Airtanker Base, we’re ready to go.
The radios crackle, the briefing is done,
Another day’s battle has only begun.
Retardant runs red, the tanks stand tall,
Waiting for destiny’s urgent call.
Then comes the words every firefighter knows—
“Launch the tankers!” and the heartbeat grows.
Engines awaken with thunder and might,
Turning preparation into flight.
From the sagebrush plains to mountain peaks,
Through smoky valleys and granite creeks,
The pilots bank with unwavering grace,
Carrying hope to the hottest place.
A crimson line across the flame,
Drawn by professionals who know the game.
Not for glory, fortune, or fame,
But to give the crews below a fighting chance again.
The SEATs dart low like hawks on the wing,
While heavy tankers make the mountains sing.
Every gallon dropped, every pass flown true,
Is a promise kept to the ground crews too.
The loader moves with practiced speed,
Mixing retardant for every need.
Fuelers hustle without delay,
Keeping the fleet in the fight all day.
Dispatch watches every turn,
Tracking every gallon earned.
Base personnel, mechanics, drivers, and more—
Each one vital to the mission’s core.
The smoke may rise, the wind may change,
The fire may test us beyond its range.
But Casper answers, time and again,
With steady hearts and seasoned men and women.
When evening settles and the sky turns red,
The last aircraft finally puts its tires to bed.
Covered in dust, with tired eyes,
They’ve written another chapter beneath Wyoming skies.
For fighting fire is more than a job—
It’s a calling embraced by an uncommon mob.
Bound by duty, honor, and trust,
Doing what’s right because doing so is a must.
So here’s to Casper, proud and true,
To every soul who sees this mission through.
To the tankers that thunder, the crews on the line,
And the red trails that buy firefighters time.
Tomorrow’s sunrise may bring another fight,
Another column of smoke climbing into the light.
And when it does, one thing you’ll know—
Casper Airtanker Base is ready to go.
Big tankers keep on turning.
Fires just keep on burning.
Rolling… rolling… rolling…
Until every firefighter comes home.
