Feb. 8, 2025 Hurricane Hunters fly atmospheric river missions to improve forecasts During the winter months, the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, commonly known as the “Hurricane Hunters,” shifts their focus to flying atmospheric rivers, which are narrow corridors of concentrated moisture that can bring intense rainfall and cause significant flooding in the western United
Dec. 2, 2024 Hurricane Hunters wrap up active 2024 season The 2024 Atlantic and Pacific hurricane seasons ended Nov. 30, marking the end of another active season for the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi.
Oct. 10, 2024 Hurricane Hunters fly Milton, collect data for NHC forecasts The Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters flew their last mission into Hurricane Milton Wednesday, their eighth mission into the storm since Sunday, collecting data to assist National Hurricane Center forecasters.
Sept. 27, 2024 Hurricane Hunters fly Helene, collect data for NHC forecasts The Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircrews flew nine weather reconnaissance missions into Hurricane Helene Sept. 23-26, collecting data to for National Hurricane Center forecasts.
May 21, 2024 Additional VHF antenna enhances communication to improve forecasts Hurricane season starts June 1 and the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron’s role in collecting weather data is key for forecasts. To enhance their communication capabilities, the United States Air Force Reserve completed the successful temporary installation and test of a third Very High
May 13, 2024 Hurricane Awareness Tour promotes weather readiness To promote the importance of preparing now for hurricane season, which starts June 1, the Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircrew with their WC-130J Super Hercules and a team of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration hurricane experts visited five Atlantic Coast cities as part of this
April 21, 2024 Caribbean outreach mission promotes hurricane preparedness Hurricane season starts June 1 and to help communities prepare, the Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters and a team of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasters visited four Caribbean locations April 16-20 as part of the annual Caribbean Hurricane Awareness Tour.
Dec. 8, 2023 Hurricane Hunters close out above-average season, ‘Roll Up’ operations in St Croix The 2023 Atlantic and Eastern Pacific hurricane season concluded Nov. 30, marking the end of another above-average hurricane season for the 403rd Wing's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The Hurricane Hunters flew 93 missions totaling 990.5 flight hours and
Aug. 18, 2023 Hurricane Hunters depart to fly Hilary reconnaissance The Air Force Reserve “Hurricane Hunters,” assigned to the 403rd Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, departed today to fly weather reconnaissance missions into Hurricane Hilary to collect weather data that improves National Hurricane Center forecasts.
July 24, 2023 Hurricane Hunters take part in Royal International Air Tattoo A 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron WC-130J Super Hercules joined aircraft from around the world for the Royal International Air Tattoo July 14-16 at Royal Air Force Fairford in Gloucestershire, England.