Parachuting on the ground

Maj. Jim Hittermen, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron pilot, adjusts his helmet before simulating a parachuting jump. Aircrew members of the 403rd Wing are required to have annual parachute training and with the Virtual Reality Parachute Simulator, it makes it easier to stay current without leaving the ground. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tabitha Dupas)

Media Day

Senior Airman Jenna Tucker, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron loadmaster, explains to Damon Singleton, WDSU news team, how the dropsonde reads data after being deployed out of the C-130J. During Media day the Hurricane Hunters were able to explain the mission and preparations that are made before the season begins.

Passing the Torch

Generals Rubeor and Muscatell lead the audience in a round of applause as a Colonel Jensen is officially named 403rd Wing commander in a change of command ceremony May 12 at the Bay Breeze Event Center. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Tanya King)

Passing the Torch

General Muscatell praises Colonel Jensen in a heartfelt goodbye speech to 403rd Wing members, community leaders and other Keesler AFB members who attended the change of command ceremony May 12 at the Bay Breeze Event Center. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Tanya King)

Congrats graduates!

Master Sgt. Shawnta Daye, 403rd Wing Aeromedical Staging Squadron, shakes hands with Chief Master Sgt. Curtis Jennings as she makes her way across the stage to receive her diploma during the Community College of the Air Force graduation ceremony April 26. The 81st Training Wing command chief assisted Brig. Gen. Andrew Mueller, 81st TRW commander, and Chief James Pepin, CCAF vice commandant, in recognizing and awarding diplomas to the graduates. Nineteen other members of the 403rd attained their associate degree as part of the CCAF spring 2011 graduating class. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Heather Newcomb)

AFRC/CC laudes 403rd Wing

Lt. Gen. Charles Stenner, commander, Air Force Reserve Command holds a town-hall meeting with over 100 members of the 403rd Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., April 20 as part of his "mid-America" tour to AFRC bases. "The loads you're hauling in those stretch-Js (Flying Jennies) and the kinds of things you're doing with the WC (Hurricane Hunters) mission are noticed world-wide and at the highest levels of this government," said General Stenner. "Thank you all for what you do for this mission and what you do for this nations' defense." As part of his visit to the 403rd, General Stenner met with the Wing's commander, Brig. Gen. James Muscatell. "Lt. Gen. Stenner was very pleased with his visit to us and reiterated to me that we are the template for other wings in regards to the way in which we do business," said General Muscatell. "He especially liked the attitude he saw from all of you and how everyone is engaged. As always, I'm very proud of what our wing accomplishes on a daily basis, this just adds to the fact that we are the wing of choice." (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Heather Newcomb)