https://www.afrc.af.mil Air Force Reserve Command News RSS Feed en-us Thu, 27 Aug 2020 15:46:00 GMT Fri, 11 Dec 2020 03:38:30 GMT https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2327534/marco-laura-prove-hurricane-hunters-up-to-taskings/ The Air Force Reserve 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron Hurricane Hunters had a busy week flying missions into Tropical Storm Marco and Hurricane Laura from Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., and from the Charleston International Airport, S.C. Aug. 20 through today. <br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2020/Aug/27/2002485879/82/55/0/200825-F-KV687-1071.JPG' alt='Maj. David Gentile, WC-130J pilot for the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, flies towards the sunset after a pass through Hurricane Laura from Charleston International Airport, S.C. Aug. 25, 2020. The 53rd WRS operates out of Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., and plays an important role in the forecasting of tropical systems by flying directly into storms and collecting atmospheric data satellites cannot reach, improving the area of impact forecast by up to 25 percent. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kristen Pittman)' /> <br /> Thu, 27 Aug 2020 15:46:00 GMT Senior Airman Kristen Pittman https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2327534/marco-laura-prove-hurricane-hunters-up-to-taskings/ Hurricane Hunters Hurricane Support https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2322026/403rd-wing-evacuates-aircraft-continues-to-fly-hurricane-marco-tropical-storm-l/ The Air Force Reserve’s 403rd Wing relocated its 20 aircraft today as Hurricane Marco and Tropical<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2020/Aug/23/2002482535/82/55/0/200823-F-IL418-1105.JPG' alt='The Air Force Reserve&#39;s 403rd Wing, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, relocated its aircraft today as Hurricane Marco and Tropical Storm Laura make their way to the U.S. Gulf Coast. The 815th Airlift Squadron relocated their aircraft to Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, and the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron will continue flying missions into both storms from Atlantic Aviation Charleston International Airport, South Carolina. (U.S. Air Force photo/Lt. Col. Marnee A.C. Losurdo)' /> <br /> Sun, 23 Aug 2020 18:01:00 GMT Lt. Col. Marnee A.C. Losurdo https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2322026/403rd-wing-evacuates-aircraft-continues-to-fly-hurricane-marco-tropical-storm-l/ Hurricane Support Top Stories https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2317498/hurricane-hunters-navigators-guide-through-storms/ The 403rd Wing’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron based out of Keesler Air Force Base,<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2020/Jul/27/2002465586/82/55/0/200726-F-KV687-1032.JPG' alt='Capt. Julie Fantaske, navigator for the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base Miss., looks on as her pilot crew members steer through Hurricane Douglas from Barbers Point Kapolei, Hawaii, July 26, 2020. The 53rd WRS is part of the Air Force Reserve 403rd Wing and is the only unit of its kind in the entire Department of Defense. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Kristen Pittman)' /> <br /> Tue, 18 Aug 2020 21:05:00 GMT Tech. Sgt. Christopher Carranza https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2317498/hurricane-hunters-navigators-guide-through-storms/ Hurricane Support https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2298978/carcah-key-to-coordination-storm-support/ Coordination—it is the key to any successful organization or event; and, when that event happens to<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2020/Aug/03/2002469852/82/55/0/190510-F-DJ064-1037.JPG' alt='Warren Madden, senior meteorologist and lead of Chief, Aerial Reconnaissance Coordination All Hurricanes team, talks with local media during the Hurricane Awareness Tour May 10, 2019, in Brunswick, Georgia. The purpose of the HAT is to help create a weather-ready nation by raising awareness for the upcoming hurricane season occurring June 1 - Nov. 30, with emphasis this year on raising awareness about inland flooding. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Christopher Carranza)' /> <br /> Mon, 03 Aug 2020 17:55:00 GMT Lt. Col. Marnee A.C. Losurdo https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2298978/carcah-key-to-coordination-storm-support/ Hurricane Hunters Hurricane Support https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2294589/hurricane-hunter-sets-unit-record-for-eyewall-penetrations/ In the Air Force, the number 341 typically elicits an unpleasant memory. Like that time someone in<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2020/Jul/30/2002467846/82/55/0/200728-F-KV687-1003.JPG' alt='Chief Master Sgt. Rick Cumbo, loadmaster for the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, stands in front of the tail of a WC-130J Super Hercules at Kona International Airport, Hawaii, July 28, 2020. Cumbo became the recordholder for most eyewall penetrations, with 341, after flying Hurricane Douglas July 24. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kristen Pittman)' /> <br /> Thu, 30 Jul 2020 15:16:00 GMT Senior Airman Kristen Pittman https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2294589/hurricane-hunter-sets-unit-record-for-eyewall-penetrations/ Hurricane Hunters Hurricane Support https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2290305/hurricane-hunters-fly-first-pacific-hurricane-of-the-year/ The Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircrews flew five weather reconnaissance missions into<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2020/Jul/27/2002465582/82/55/0/200726-F-IL418-1040.JPG' alt='Maj. Tobi Baker, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron aerial reconnaissance weather officer, reviews weather data collected while flying in Hurricane Douglas July 26, 2020. The Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircrew flew into the first hurricane of the Pacific season to collect weather data to assist the Central Pacific Hurricane Center with their forecasts. The 53rd WRS, assigned to the 403rd Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, departed July 22 to conduct operations out of Barbers Point Kapolie Airport, Hawaii. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lt. Col. Marnee A.C. Losurdo)' /> <br /> Mon, 27 Jul 2020 19:49:00 GMT Lt. Col. Marnee A.C. Losurdo https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2290305/hurricane-hunters-fly-first-pacific-hurricane-of-the-year/ Hurricane Hunters Hurricane Support Top Stories https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2272811/hurricane-hunters-reserve-citizen-airmen-team-flies-storm-missions/ The 403rd Wing’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron based out of Keesler Air Force Base,<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2019/May/30/2002456207/82/55/0/190530-F-DJ064-1020.JPG' alt='Maj. Kendall Dunn, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron pilot, poses for a photo in front of a WC-130J Super Hercules at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, May 30, 2019. The 53rd WRS aka Air Force Reserve ‘Hurricane Hunters,’ is the only Air Force unit tasked with mission of flying into the eye of hurricanes to collect data from the inside of a storm. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Christopher Carranza)' /> <br /> Tue, 14 Jul 2020 12:10:00 GMT Tech. Sgt. Christopher Carranza https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2272811/hurricane-hunters-reserve-citizen-airmen-team-flies-storm-missions/ Hurricane Support https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2228244/hurricane-hunters-conduct-deployment-for-training/ The Air Force Reserve's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron deployed to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2020/Jun/18/2002319644/82/55/0/200617-F-DJ064-1106.JPG' alt='Lt. Col. Phillip Dobson, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron navigator, explains the duties of a navigator to Capt. Garrett Black, 53rd WRS aerial reconnaissance weather officer during a flight, June 17 over Caribbean. The Hurricane Hunters deployed to St. Croix to fly training missions over the Caribbean in preparation for the 2020 hurricane season. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Christopher Carranza)' /> <br /> Mon, 22 Jun 2020 16:54:00 GMT Tech. Sgt. Christopher Carranza https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2228244/hurricane-hunters-conduct-deployment-for-training/ Hurricane Hunters Hurricane Support https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2212427/hurricane-hunters-finish-flying-tropical-storm-cristobal/ The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron finished flying Tropical Storm Cristobal June 7.The<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2020/Jun/08/2002312733/82/55/0/200605-F-DJ064-1040.JPG' alt='Maj. Kendall Dunn, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron pilot, conducts the preflight checklist of a WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft June 5, 2020 at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. The Hurricane Hunters were tasked to fly a fixed mission to locate the center of Cristobal and the data gathered was sent to the National Hurricane Center for their weather model forecasts. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Christopher Carranza)' /> <br /> Mon, 08 Jun 2020 21:22:00 GMT Tech. Sgt. Christopher Carranza https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2212427/hurricane-hunters-finish-flying-tropical-storm-cristobal/ Hurricane Support https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2198087/hurricane-hunters-take-part-in-online-national-tropical-weather-conference/ The 2020 National Tropical Weather Conference, originally scheduled for April, was postponed due to<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2020/May/26/2002305804/82/55/0/200521-F-DJ064-1015.JPG' alt='Lt. Col. Ryan Rickert, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron aerial reconnaissance weather officer, talks live via Skype with the host and participants of the National Tropical Weather Conference May 21, 2020, at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. Rickert was accompanied by Capt. Garret Black, 53rd WRS ARWO, online to explain the Hurricane Hunter mission, their experiences flying storms, and the importance of being prepared for hurricane season. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Christopher Carranza)' /> <br /> Tue, 26 May 2020 18:15:00 GMT Lt. Col. Marnee A.C. Losurdo https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2198087/hurricane-hunters-take-part-in-online-national-tropical-weather-conference/ Hurricane Support Top Stories https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2189609/hurricane-hunters-fly-first-mission-of-2020-atlantic-season/ The Hurricane Hunters departed today on their first storm tasking of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season to investigate an area for possible development into a tropical depression or storm near the Bahamas.<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2020/May/16/2002301449/82/55/0/200516-F-DJ064-1019.JPG' alt='A WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft from 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron takes off May 16, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The Hurricane Hunters departed today on their first storm tasking of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season to investigate an area for possible development into a tropical depression or storm near the Bahamas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Christopher Carranza)' /> <br /> Sat, 16 May 2020 13:47:00 GMT Lt. Col. Marnee A.C. Losurdo https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2189609/hurricane-hunters-fly-first-mission-of-2020-atlantic-season/ Hurricane Hunters Hurricane Support https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2109172/hurricane-hunter-squared/ “I can think back to when I was in pre-school,” said Ashley Lundry. “It’s one of those vague<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2017/Dec/01/2002263087/82/55/0/171129-F-GA223-039.JPG' alt='Maj. Ashley Lundry, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron aerial reconnaissance weather officer and chief scientific officer, shows a weather data-gathering instrument called a dropsonde to Dr. Fred “Marty” Ralph, Researcher and Director for the Center of Western Weather and Water Extremes, Scripps Institute of Oceanography, Nov. 29, 2017, at Brown Field Airport, San Diego, California. Hurricane Hunters met with Ralph and other Scripps scientists that day to discuss plans for participating in atmospheric river reconnaissance missions in early 2018. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Ryan Labadens)' /> <br /> Wed, 11 Mar 2020 17:44:00 GMT Senior Airman Kristen Pittman https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2109172/hurricane-hunter-squared/ Hurricane Hunters Hurricane Support https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2030275/hurricane-hunters-reflect-on-2019-hurricane-season/ Andrea, Barry, Dorian, Fernand, Humberto, Jerry, Karen, Lorena, Nestor and Olga. At first glance one<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2019/Sep/06/2002219337/82/55/0/190904-F-DJ064-1001.JPG' alt='1st Lt. Ryan Smithies, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron pilot, flies a WC-130J Super Hercules in the eye of Hurricane Dorian Sep. 4,2019 off the coast of Savannah, Georgia. During his mission Dorian was a category 2 hurricane and intensified into a category 3. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Ryan Smithies)' /> <br /> Mon, 02 Dec 2019 21:55:00 GMT Tech. Sgt. Christopher Carranza https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2030275/hurricane-hunters-reflect-on-2019-hurricane-season/ Hurricane Support https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2019099/noaa-nhc-visit-53rd-wrs-hurricane-hunters/ From the outside looking in, hurricane forecasts seem fairly simplistic. On any given local weather<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2019/Nov/15/2002212551/82/55/0/191113-F-KV687-1118.JPG' alt='A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Aircraft Operations Center WP-3D Orion aircraft prepares to park on the flightline, as a 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron WC-130J Super Hercules flies in the background at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., Nov. 13, 2019. Both teams of Hurricane Hunters met to share information and review the 2019 hurricane season. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kristen Pittman)' /> <br /> Fri, 15 Nov 2019 20:54:00 GMT Senior Airman Kristen Pittman https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2019099/noaa-nhc-visit-53rd-wrs-hurricane-hunters/ Hurricane Hunters Hurricane Support https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1970450/reserve-citizen-airmen-support-bahama-relief-efforts-following-dorian/ The 815th Airlift Squadron “Flying Jennies” Airmen returned Sept. 17, from a humanitarian mission<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2019/Jun/04/2002140651/82/55/0/190604-F-DJ064-0037.JPG' alt='A C-130J Super Hercules from the 815th Airlift Squadron, taxis toward its parking spot June 4, 2019 at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. Lt. Col. Keith Gibson, 403rd Operations Group deputy commander, flew the lead aircraft of a two ship flight during his final flight with the “Flying Jennies.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Christopher Carranza)' /> <br /> Tue, 24 Sep 2019 17:50:00 GMT Staff Sgt. Diana Cossaboom https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1970450/reserve-citizen-airmen-support-bahama-relief-efforts-following-dorian/ Humanitarian Assistance Hurricane Support Top Stories https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1958503/citizen-airmen-help-keep-c-17s-safe-during-dorian/ A handful of Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Reservists spent their Labor Day with their active duty teammates to evacuate 24 C-17 Globemaster IIIs ahead of Hurricane Dorian. Fifteen Reservists from the 315th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 315th Maintenance Squadron here joined members of the 437th Maintenance Group to clear and launch the C-17s, Sept. 2, to Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota. Charleston’s remaining C-17s were already away from the base on various missions and were not involved.<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2019/Sep/12/2002181693/82/55/0/190912-F-AM806-001.JPG' alt='Empty flight line' /> <br /> Thu, 12 Sep 2019 14:45:00 GMT Michael Dukes https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1958503/citizen-airmen-help-keep-c-17s-safe-during-dorian/ Hurricane Support Top Stories Total Force Integration https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1954831/hurricane-hunters-finish-flying-dorian/ Over the last two weeks the Air Force Reserve’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, aka Hurricane Hunters, have flown 25 missions in support of Hurricane Dorian. <br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2019/Sep/06/2002179743/82/55/0/190831-F-OG534-0056.JPG' alt='The U.S. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters fly in the eye of Hurricane Dorian, Aug. 31, 2019. The WC-130J aircraft flew through the eye of the hurricane four times to gather weather data to determine the intensity and path. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Diana Cossaboom)' /> <br /> Fri, 06 Sep 2019 19:15:00 GMT Tech. Sgt. Christopher Carranza https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1954831/hurricane-hunters-finish-flying-dorian/ Hurricane Hunters Hurricane Support Top Stories https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1948757/knowing-hurricane-safety/ KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Hurricane season is here, occurring June 1 - November 30. Staying<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2019/Aug/29/2002177097/82/55/0/190829-F-ZZ000-0001.JPG' alt='An image of Hurricane Dorian taken from satellites the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration personnel use to track weather on Aug. 29, 2019, in the Atlantic Ocean. (Courtesy photo illustration by NOAA)' /> <br /> Thu, 29 Aug 2019 17:15:00 GMT Staff Sgt. Diana Cossaboom https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1948757/knowing-hurricane-safety/ Hurricane Hunters Hurricane Support Top Stories https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1827993/air-force-reserve-noaa-hurricane-hunters-to-visit-east-coast-on-preparedness-to/ In an effort to build a Weather-Ready Nation ahead of this year’s Atlantic hurricane season, NOAA<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2019/Apr/29/2002122614/82/55/0/190429-F-IL418-001.PNG' alt='In an effort to build a Weather-Ready Nation ahead of this year’s Atlantic hurricane season, NOAA hurricane experts and the U.S. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters will tour five eastern U.S. cities from May 6-10 to raise awareness of the importance of preparing for the upcoming hurricane season.' /> <br /> Mon, 29 Apr 2019 16:00:00 GMT DoD News https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1827993/air-force-reserve-noaa-hurricane-hunters-to-visit-east-coast-on-preparedness-to/ Hurricane Support Top Stories https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1802937/us-hurricane-forecasters-embark-on-preparedness-mission-to-mexico-caribbean/ With the 2019 hurricane season fast approaching, NOAA and the U.S. Air Force Reserve will host a<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2018/Apr/30/2001910263/82/55/0/180425-F-WF462-1001.JPG' alt='The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, also known as the Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration hosts the 2018 Caribbean Hurricane Awareness Tour, April 23-28. The tour is designed to help communities in Mexico and the Caribbean prepare for the season and the coming storms. Visitors toured a WC-130J Super Hercules hurricane hunter aircraft and the NOAA Gulfstream IV. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jessica Kendziorek)' /> <br /> Tue, 02 Apr 2019 13:23:00 GMT DoD News https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1802937/us-hurricane-forecasters-embark-on-preparedness-mission-to-mexico-caribbean/ Hurricane Support