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
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.
Sept. 10, 2024 403rd Wing relocates aircraft, continues to fly Francine The Air Force Reserve’s 403rd Wing started relocating aircraft today as Tropical Storm Francine makes its way toward the Gulf Coast.The wing’s 815th Airlift Squadron, a tactical airlift unit, and the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, or Hurricane Hunters, are flying their C-130J Super Hercules
Aug. 30, 2024 Operations, maintenance Hone ACE skills As the Air Force adapts to requirements brought about by the Great Power Competition, the Citizen Airman aircrews, maintainers, and other supporting personnel of the Air Force Reserve’s 403rd Wing are constantly proving that they are up to task when it comes to Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen.
Aug. 16, 2024 Improved Atmospheric River forecasts assist West Coast water, emergency managers California’s weather swings between wet and dry periods so it’s critical for the state to have accurate forecasts so they can employ effective water management strategies. To improve these forecasts and help residents of not just California, but several West Coast states, representatives with the
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
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.