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  • Hurricane Hunters: navigators guide through storms

    The 403rd Wing’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron based out of Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, is the only Department of Defense organization that flies weather reconnaissance. In this specialized unit of Reserve Citizen Airmen, a crew is made up of a minimum of five members consisting of a

  • Hurricane Hunters fly first Pacific hurricane of the year

    The Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircrews flew five weather reconnaissance missions into Hurricane Douglas, the first hurricane in the Pacific, July 24-27, 2020, collecting data to assist Central Pacific Hurricane Center forecasters.The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, assigned to the

  • Hurricane Hunters: Reserve Citizen Airmen team flies storm missions

    The 403rd Wing’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron based out of Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, is the only Department of Defense organization that flies weather reconnaissance.This specialized unit of Reserve Citizen Airmen is at a minimum made up of a five-person crew consisting of a

  • Hurricane Hunters conduct deployment for training

    The Air Force Reserve's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron deployed to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, June 15 to 19 to fly training missions over the Caribbean in preparation for the 2020 hurricane season. The Hurricane Hunters are Reserve Citizen Airmen of the 403rd Wing based at Keesler Air

  • Hurricane Hunters finish flying Tropical Storm Cristobal

    The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron finished flying Tropical Storm Cristobal June 7.The squadron flew seven missions into the storm, which began June 1 as Tropical Depression Three. The Hurricane Hunters provided reconnaissance starting June 2 from the Bay of Campeche in the southwestern Gulf

  • 815th Flying Jennies deliver airlift ops in Cope North 20

    Broken bones, shards of glass and internal bleeding. When a school bus with no seatbelts rolls over, dozens are left injured, some with life-threatening injuries. The local hospital on a remote Pacific island isn’t equipped to handle the influx of critical patients this unforeseen tragedy has

  • Hurricane Hunters fly Winter Storm

    The United States Air Force Reserve 403rd Wing’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, also known as the Hurricane Hunters, flew their first Winter Storm of the season Feb. 26. A WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft departed Keesler Air Force Base, Mississipi. midday to fly the Western Atlantic Flight

  • Hurricane Hunters fly Atmospheric Rivers

    The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, commonly known as the Hurricane Hunters, are the cornerstone for data gathering efforts within storm environments. When they’re not flying into hurricanes they are providing aerial weather reconnaissance for atmospheric rivers over the Pacific Ocean.

  • Mississippi resident 403rd Wing Pilot for a Day

    One local Mississippi resident received a holiday treat a little early this year. The 403rd Wing commissioned 14-year-old Charles “Payton” Burge, of Carriere, Mississippi, as an honorary Air Force Reserve second lieutenant today as part of their Pilot for a Day program. “The Gulf Coast is very