May 3, 2021 Tribe to triumph: A Chaplain's journey "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 For Chaplain (Maj.) Bitrus (“like ‘citrus’” he often jokes) Cobongs, head chaplain of the Air Force Reserve’s 403rd Wing, his life’s journey from
March 26, 2021 Hurricane Hunters wrap up atmospheric river season Three WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron “Hurricane Hunters” returned from the West Coast to Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., March 25, 2021. The 403rd Wing’s Hurricane Hunters wrapped up the atmospheric river season in partnership with National Oceanic and
Feb. 13, 2021 403rd Wing members, aircraft return from deployment Reserve Citizen Airmen and C-130J aircraft assigned to the Air Force Reserve’s 403rd Wing here returned after a deployment in Southwest Asia where they supported Operations Freedom Sentinel and Inherent Resolve.The deployment package consisted of aircrew and aircraft from the 815th Airlift Squadron
Jan. 21, 2021 Pandemic calls; 36th AES answers with more deployments The 36th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron has been called upon once again to deploy personnel to multiple locations in support of the fight against COVID-19. In 2020, the squadron saw nine volunteers out the door to various locations, and now, six more Reserve Citizen Airmen are set to deploy in the
Jan. 4, 2021 Retired maintainer shares story of resilience; hope Don’t judge a book by its cover. That’s how the saying goes. If Master Sgt. James Rials, retired production supervisor for the 803rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here, was a book, his cover would give off the impression of someone who has worked hard his whole life. You might notice his wedding
Dec. 18, 2020 Hurricane Hunters hunt first winter storm of the season Hurricane season might be over, but that does not mean the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron “Hurricane Hunters” are through providing pertinent weather reconnaissance services to those potentially impacted by severe weather. As of Nov. 1, the winter storm season began, and the 53rd took off
Dec. 5, 2020 Camp Gulfport opens doors for ROM operations Members from the Air Force Reserve 403rd Wing and the Mississippi Air National Guard units, as well as volunteers from guard units across multiple states work together operating restriction of movement, ROM, named Camp Gulfport, located at the Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center, Mississippi.
Dec. 2, 2020 AFR's Hurricane Hunters unit weathers record storm season The 2020 Atlantic and Pacific hurricane seasons, at least technically, came to an end Nov. 30, and what a season it was. The Atlantic side saw many records broken throughout the season, including dethroning 2005 and its 28 named storms as the busiest season on record with 30 named storms for this
Nov. 3, 2020 Zeta, Eta keep Hurricane Hunters flying As the above-average 2020 Hurricane season spins on, the Air Force Reserve’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron Hurricane Hunters continue to support the National Hurricane Center with their crucial data collection mission. For the fourth time this season, the Hurricane Hunters and their WC-130Js,
Oct. 2, 2020 Keesler reservists support Southwest Asia operations Air Force Reserve Citizen Airmen and several C-130J Super Hercules aircraft from the 403rd Wing have deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operations Inherent Resolve and Freedom Sentinel.Aircrew from the 815th Airlift Squadron, and Airmen from the 403rd Operational Support Squadron and 803rd