https://www.afrc.af.mil Air Force Reserve Command News RSS Feed en-us Thu, 17 Sep 2020 15:55:00 GMT Fri, 11 Dec 2020 03:38:28 GMT https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2351557/tracking-sally/ From tropical storm to hurricane, the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron“ Hurricane Hunters,” flew<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2020/Sep/17/2002499789/82/55/0/200916-F-FC081-1000.JPG' alt='Members of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron fly into Hurricane Sally to gather data on September 14, 2020, in the Gulf of Mexico. The Hurricane Hunters fly through tropical systems to gather weather data that they provide to the National Hurricane Center for their use in updating the storm forecast warnings. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Shelton Sherrill)' /> <br /> Thu, 17 Sep 2020 15:55:00 GMT Staff Sgt. Shelton Sherrill https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2351557/tracking-sally/ Hurricane Hunters 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/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/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/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/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/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/1949825/75-years-hunting-hurricanes/ Hurricane stories vary from person-to-person and squadron-to-squadron, but they all seem to have one thing in common: the capability of their aircraft and the use of instruments for navigation and data collection, proving the hurricane hunters of yesterday, today and tomorrow keep the mission going.<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2019/Aug/31/2002177886/82/55/0/190816-F-F3652-1001.JPG' alt='Crew of Details Later!, one of the two B-25s of the Hurricane Reconnaissance Unit at Morrison Field. Capt. Allen C. Wiggins, pilot, is at the end right, back row, and Capt. Billy B. Boothe, navigator, second from the left on the back row. The aircrew consisted of a pilot, co-pilot, navigator, meterologist, radio operator, engineer, and crew chief. (Official U.S. Army Air Force photo)' /> <br /> Sat, 31 Aug 2019 11:57:00 GMT Jessica L. Kendziorek https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1949825/75-years-hunting-hurricanes/ Hurricane Hunters 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/1945679/flying-tropical-storm-dorian/ Three WC-103J’s and one C-130J Super Hercules aircraft from the 403rd Wing departed Keesler Air Force Base Monday for Curaçao to provide weather reconnaissance support for Tropical Storm Dorian. <br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2019/Aug/27/2002176302/82/55/0/190825-F-WF462-1007.JPG' alt='A WC-130J Super Hercules from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, aka Hurricane Hunters, taxis to the runway Aug. 25, 2019 at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. The Hurricane Hunters staged their aircraft in Curacao and began flying into Tropical Storm Dorian Monday night.' /> <br /> Tue, 27 Aug 2019 21:26:00 GMT Tech. Sgt. Christopher Carranza https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1945679/flying-tropical-storm-dorian/ Hurricane Hunters https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1864043/reserve-citizen-airmen-hunt/ This specialized unit of Reserve Citizen Airmen is made up of a five-person crew consisting of a pilot, co-pilot, navigator, aerial reconnaissance weather officer, and loadmaster who is also the dropsonde operator.<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2019/May/30/2002138234/82/55/0/190530-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 /> Sat, 01 Jun 2019 13:00:00 GMT Tech. Sgt. Christopher Carranza https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1864043/reserve-citizen-airmen-hunt/ Hurricane Hunters Top Stories https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1815021/international-outreach-mission-builds-relationships-promotes-hurricane-prepared/ 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 two Mexican and four Caribbean cities April 8-13, 2019, as part of the annual Caribbean Hurricane Awareness Tour. The CHAT, a joint effort between NOAA's National Hurricane Center and the 403rd Wing's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, promotes hurricane awareness and preparedness throughout Latin America and the Caribbean region.<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2019/Apr/15/2002116525/82/55/0/190411-F-IL418-1120.JPG' alt='Zita Leito, Curacao Minister of Traffic Transportation and Urban Planning, spoke at a press conference April 11, 2019, at the Curacao International Airport as part of the 2019 Caribbean Hurricane Awareness Tour. The Prime Minister of Curacao Eugene Rhuggenaath, Curacao Consul General Margaret Hawthorne, and Lt. Col. Jeff Ragusa, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron pilot and aircraft commander, spoke at the event. After the press conference, the dignitaries and press toured the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Lt. Col. Marnee A.C. Losurdo)' /> <br /> Mon, 15 Apr 2019 18:09:00 GMT Lt. Col. Marnee A.C. Losurdo https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1815021/international-outreach-mission-builds-relationships-promotes-hurricane-prepared/ Hurricane Hunters Top Stories https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1749541/hurricane-hunters-fly-atmospheric-rivers/ The Hurricane Hunters are working with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California to conduct operational and research weather reconnaissance drops into the Atmospheric Rivers.<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2019/Feb/05/2002086262/82/55/0/190201-F-F3652-1001.JPG' alt='A 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron WC-130J aircraft taking off out of Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, California for an 8.5 hour mission for one of the missions into an Atmospheric River Feb. 1, 2019. The Atmospheric Rivers research missions are flown during the winter season to provide weather data forNational Center for Environmental Protection, who runs the Global Forecast System models and Scripps Institution of Oceanography. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo.)' /> <br /> Wed, 06 Feb 2019 13:19:00 GMT Jessica L. Kendziorek https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1749541/hurricane-hunters-fly-atmospheric-rivers/ 22nd AF News Hurricane Hunters Top Stories https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1725893/no-off-season-hurricane-hunters-fly-winter-storms-too/ The United States Air Force Reserve 403rd Wing’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, more<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2018/Sep/13/2001965896/82/55/0/180912-F-PS957-0241.JPG' alt='U.S. Air Force Reserve Lt. Col. Jerry Rutland, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron pilot, flies a WC-130J into the early morning sunrise as they approach Hurricane Florence Sept. 12, 2018. The U.S. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters are conducting a reconnaissance mission to provide critical and timely weather data for the National Hurricane Center to assist in providing up-to-date and accurate information for storm forecasts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Chris Hibben)' /> <br /> Mon, 07 Jan 2019 21:18:00 GMT By Senior Airman Kristen Pittman https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1725893/no-off-season-hurricane-hunters-fly-winter-storms-too/ Hurricane Hunters Top Stories https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1694499/weather-units-earn-command-honors/ The Air Force Reserve Command recognized two 403rd Wing units for excellence in the weather career<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2018/Sep/13/2001965896/82/55/0/180912-F-PS957-0241.JPG' alt='U.S. Air Force Reserve Lt. Col. Jerry Rutland, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron pilot, flies a WC-130J into the early morning sunrise as they approach Hurricane Florence Sept. 12, 2018. The U.S. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters are conducting a reconnaissance mission to provide critical and timely weather data for the National Hurricane Center to assist in providing up-to-date and accurate information for storm forecasts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Chris Hibben)' /> <br /> Wed, 14 Nov 2018 20:01:00 GMT Lt. Col. Marnee A.C. Losurdo https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1694499/weather-units-earn-command-honors/ Awards Hurricane Hunters Hurricane Support Top Stories https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1634998/us-naval-academy-tests-waters-with-hurricane-hunters/ When the subject of summer internships comes up, thoughts like fetching coffee and doing paperwork<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2018/Sep/15/2001966667/82/55/0/180912-F-PS957-0260.JPG' alt='U.S. Navy Midshipman Suwen Jordan Sun helps read data for the Navy Airborne Expendable Bathythermographs deployed from the WC-130J Hercules during an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter mission from the Air Dominance Center, Savannah, Ga., Sept. 12, 2018. The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, or Hurricane Hunters, provides critical and timely weather data for the National Hurricane Center to assist in providing up-to-date and accurate information for storm forecasts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Chris Hibben)' /> <br /> Sat, 15 Sep 2018 14:48:00 GMT Senior Airman Kristen Pittman https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1634998/us-naval-academy-tests-waters-with-hurricane-hunters/ Hurricane Hunters Hurricane Support Top Stories https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1632582/hurricane-florence-edges-closer-to-east-coast-hurricane-hunters-continue-reconn/ As the storm moves closer to the East Coast, members of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2018/Sep/13/2001965907/82/55/0/180912-F-PS957-0173.JPG' alt='U.S. Air Force Reserve Pilots Lt. Col. Jerry Rutland (left) and Maj Eric Chapman begin their mission into Florence, a hurricane about to hit the Southeast Coast of the United States. The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, or Hurricane Hunters, took off in a WC-130J Hercules Sept. 12, 2018, to gather critical and timely weather data for the National Hurricane Center to assist in providing up-to-date and accurate information for storm forecasts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Chris Hibben)' /> <br /> Thu, 13 Sep 2018 23:17:00 GMT Master Sgt. Jessica Kendziorek https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1632582/hurricane-florence-edges-closer-to-east-coast-hurricane-hunters-continue-reconn/ Hurricane Hunters Top Stories