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ABOUT THE 403RD WING


The 403rd Wing is the largest flying organization at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, and the only Air Force Reserve Command wing in Mississippi. With a military manning authorization of more than 1,500 reservists, including 350 full-time air reserve technicians, the wing performs dual missions: tactical airlift support during peace- and war-time contingencies, and aerial weather reconnaissance supporting the Department of Commerce.

The Wing's Vision: Wing of Choice -- Agile, Innovative, Disciplined

The Wing's Mission: Provide Mission-Ready Airmen to execute diverse C-130J and Combat Support Operations

Wing Leadership

Group Leadership

Fact Sheets

Shield of the 403rd Wing, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. (U.S. Air Force illustration) 403rd Wing

403rd Wing

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Official shield of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron

53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron

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Shield of the 815th Airlift Squadron "The Flying Jennies" 815th Airlift Squadron

815th Airlift Squadron

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U.S. Army troops from the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division trained with 815th Airlift Squadron Reserve Citizen Airmen during a training exercise at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska July 13-16, 2021. The 815th AS provided airlift for more than 1300 paratroopers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Shelton Sherrill) C-130J Hercules

C-130J Hercules

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A WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., takes off for a flight into Tropical Storm Elsa July 6, 2021. The 53rd WRS “Hurricane Hunters” are an Air Force Reserve unit assigned to the 403rd Wing and are the only unit in the Department of Defense that flies weather reconnaissance missions .(U.S. Air Force by Staff Sgt. Kristen Pittman) WC-130J Hercules

WC-130J Hercules

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The Stepped-Frequency Microwave Radiometer is a state-of-the-art instrument designed to continuously and accurately measure the winds at the ocean's surface directly below the aircraft. As the plane flies through a storm, the SFMR senses microwave radiation naturally emitted from foam created on the sea by winds at the surface. Computers then determine wind speeds based on the levels of microwave radiation detected. The SFMR can also determine rainfall rates within a storm system. This, in addition to wind speeds at flight level, provide structural detail of the storm. (Photo Courtesy of Lockheed Martin) Hurricane Hunter Weather Equipment

Hurricane Hunter Weather Equipment

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