News

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. 30, 2024
Mission Makers: Meteorological Equipment Technicians

The 403rd Maintenance Squadron's meteorological equipment technician shop is the only one of its kind in the Air Force. The shop, based at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., maintains the meteorological equipment on the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron's 10 WC-130J aircraft, which fly into weather
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
July 2, 2024
Hurricane Hunters fly Beryl

The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, a component of the Air Force Reserve’s 403rd Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, has been working around the clock flying data gathering missions into Hurricane Beryl, the first major hurricane of what’s predicted to be a very active season.
May 1, 2024
Media Advisory: Hurricane Hunters promote preparedness during East Coast tour

With the 2024 hurricane season fast approaching, NOAA and the U.S. Air Force Reserve will host a series of events to help the communities along the East Coast prepare. Media and the public can meet NOAA hurricane experts, scientists and crew members and get a close-up look at some of the aircraft
April 5, 2024
Media Advisory: U.S. hurricane forecasters embark on preparedness mission to Caribbean

With the 2024 hurricane season approaching, NOAA and the U.S. Air Force Reserve will host a series of events, including public tours of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron WC 130J Super Hercules, to help communities in the Caribbean prepare.
Dec. 3, 2023
Winter operations begin for 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron

Before the hurricane season had even ended, the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron experienced their first taste of winter operations.While they’re known for their mission supporting the National Hurricane Operations Plan which involves flying into – not around, not over – severe tropical systems
Aug. 30, 2023
Hurricane Hunters fly Franklin, Idalia

After Tropical Storm Hilary made landfall Aug. 20 on the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico, the Air Force Reserve 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron’s hurricane hunters began flying storms in both the Atlantic and the Caribbean.