Unfortunately the US Forest Service terminated Aero Union's airtanker contract less than a year after this photo was taken, on 29 July 2011, due to alleged safety violations. All their magnificent P-3 Aerostar airtankers, including this former Spanish Orion (ex P.3-5), were withdrawn from use and stored at McClellan, Sacramento, CA.

US Navy P-3A bu 150510 was transferred to the Spanish Air Force . On return, it was sold to Hawkins & Powers in 1996 for parts. Aero Union bought the aircraft in 2004 and converted it to a P-3 Aerostar. With Aero Union's bankruptcy in 2011, it was stored at Chico and since acquired by United Aeronautical Corp when they purchased the MAFFS 2 fire fighting system.

Former Aero Union aircraft, and still in their colours.