As an Air National Guard unit , many of the 129th 's missions involved supporting the Governor 's office during times of State emergencies , including earthquakes , chemical spills , fires and floods . The 129th provided aid during floods along the Yuba River in 1959 and the Eel River in 1964-1965 . During record flooding in Sonoma , Sutter and Yuba counties in Northern California , 33 lives were saved in 5 days , from 18 – 22 February 1986 . In all , 44 lives were saved in 1986 , a record rescue for the 129th . During the aftermath of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake , the 129th established Command Post operations and was chosen to coordinate all military aircraft activities within the Bay Area . The 129th provided air transportation for State and Federal government officials to survey damage from the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake and the 1991 Oakland Hills fire . The unit has also been tasked with mutual aid to state law enforcement during the 1965 Watts ( Los Angeles ) riots and the 1992 civil disturbance in Los Angeles
1989 Loma Prieta earthquake
1989 Loma Prieta earthquake
129th Rescue Wing