The 78th air group represents the North American countries of the United States and Canada. They have been posted the Smolensk outpost to maintain a presence there and to execute various missions for the North American militaries. They are also there to make sure that the outpost maintains its neutrality. Thus they usually keep a wary eye on their counterparts and friendly rivals, the Russian 44th.

Captain Foxx…as leader of the 78th, the young fox runs the group coolly and expects his fellow aviators to be just as cool under fire. He is stern and expects orders to be followed, unless his soldiers know something he doesn’t. Then he expects his aviators to show initiative. Despite his rank, he treats every soldier, from the lowest private on up with respect.

Don the grolar…as the pilot. Born deep in the heart of Texas, the half grizzly, half polar bear hybrid knew nothing but Texas. Enlisting at the earliest possible age, he joined to see the world and earned his wings in the process. Although his laid back demeanor makes him easy to get along with, he takes his job seriously and sees the Russians with suspicion.

Theo…as the mechanic and payload specialist. Born in California, the large lion excelled at school but quickly found it to be tedious and boring. He longed for something different and soon after graduating he enlisted, wanting to see more then just the city he grew up in. He volunteered for the most distant assignment possible and ended up with the 78th. Although unaccustomed to the extreme cold, he takes everything in stride. The unusual and unfamiliar environment of the outpost offers him something new every day.

Ani Masters…as the medic. Born in Canada, the fat fox joined because he wanted to make a difference. He had no idea that he would be trading one cold home for an even colder one. Still, he felt that he had a job to do no matter where he may be stationed. Ani doesn’t see this assignment as anything even remotely political; to him he is there to help and save lives. He gets along with others easily and has secretly befriended one of the Russians; something his crew would surely frown upon.

The primary aircraft of the 78th is a Martin PBM Mariner, a patrol bomber and flying boat which has been extensively modified for cold weather use.

Artwork by  Tolstoy and I'm VERY flattered to have been included in this picture. :)