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Air Force reservists make history with blogger flight

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Joe Simms
  • 403rd Wing Public Affairs
An aircrew from Air Force Reserve Command's 403rd Wing here flew an historic flight May 19. The training mission on a WC-130J Hurricane Hunter aircraft gave bloggers from across the country an opportunity only available to traditional media outlets until now.

The Air Force is embracing new media in efforts to continue communicating in today's world.

"Social Networking and blogging is not the communication of the future but of today," said Brig. Gen. James Muscatell, 403rd Wing commander. "This is the way current generations communicate, and the Air Force and Air Force Reserve need to keep up with how technology is evolving and making communication faster and easier."

According to a Pentagon survey, 94 percent of people born after 1990 actively either blog or use social networking, such as "Facebook." New media ranks second behind television on how people receive information.

Members from the national blogging community and traditional media here covered the event and joined the Hurricane Hunters aboard a WC-130J on a training mission over the Gulf of Mexico.

On the flight, bloggers captured their experience as they journeyed roundtrip from here to New Orleans, while the flight crew simulated challenges they face when collecting data in a hurricane. This landmark event gave a new audience a better understanding of how the Hurricane Hunters collect life-saving data inside storms and highlighted the coming hurricane season.

"It was neat to be in the cabin with the pilot," said Tiffany Bryam, co-owner of Minute Magazine, whose primary readership in Louisiana is affected by hurricanes. "It made me feel like a pilot."

Ms. Byram and Jackie Lewis, also co-owner of Minute Magazine, recently began offering their newest issues of the magazine in an e-format to remain at the forefront of new media. Ms. Byram and Ms. Lewis said they plan to feature their experience in the August issue.

"You hear about these guys on the Weather Channel and on TV all the time, but you never really think about the guys who actually do the job," said Ms. Lewis. "It was mesmerizing to really be there flying with them."

The 403rd is breaking new ground within the Air Force Reserve when it comes to embracing new media, said Maj. Chad Gibson, 403rd Wing chief of public affairs.

"We are excited about the prospects of hosting similar events in the future," he said.

The public can keep up with news about the 403rd Wing via Facebook groups listed under "403rd Wing," "AF Reserve Hurricane Hunters," "AF Reserve 815th Flying Jennies," "403rd Wing Spouses" and "41st Aerial Port Squadron."

In addition, full-resolution photos can be found under the "Hurricane Hunters," "403rd Wing" and the "Flying Jennies" groups at www.flickr.com. A profile of the 403rd Wing can also be found at www.Linkedin.com. People can also follow them at www.twitter.com under the username "403pa." (Air Force Reserve Command News Service)