ST. CROIX, US. VI

After the last flight into Hurricane Sam, the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron returned to their forward operation location in the St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Oct 2, 2021. This location is used to operate 24 hours a day for storms that are located in the Atlantic Ocean that are not within reach of Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Tauston Jackson) Share

ST. CROIX, US. VI

Inside the eye of Hurricane Sam, members of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron collect weather data. The data is sent to the National Hurricane Center, which is used to improve the forecast models and help people prepare. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Joyce Hirai) Share

ST. CROIX, US. VI

Members of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron takeoff for Hurricane Sam to gather weather data for the National Hurricane Center, Sept. 28, 2021. The weather data is collected and sent to the NHC in order to ensure more accurate and up-to-date forecasts and models of the storms. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jessica L. Kendziorek) Share

ST. CROIX, U.S.V.I.

Maj. Joyce Hirai, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron aerial reconnaissance weather officer, checks the data from the dropsonde prior to sending it to the National Hurricane Center as the Hurricane Hunters, fly into Hurricane Sam, Sept. 27, 2021. Hurricane Sam had downgraded to a category 3 hurricane when the AF Reserve Hurricane Hunters entered, but was intensifying before they headed back. The Hurricane Hunters gather data weather data from dropsondes and aircraft sensors, which is given to the NHC to assist them with their forecasts and storm warnings. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jessica L. Kendziorek) Share

ST. CROIX, U.S.V.I.

Lt. Col. Ryan Rickert and Maj. Joyce Hirai, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron aerial reconnaissance weather officers, discuss the weather data as the Hurricane Hunters fly into Hurricane Sam, Sept. 27, 2021. Hurricane Sam had downgraded to a category 3 hurricane when the AF Reserve Hurricane Hunters entered, but was intensifying before they headed back. The Hurricane Hunters gather data weather data from dropsondes and aircraft sensors, which is given to the National Hurricane Center to assist them with their forecasts and storm warnings. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jessica L. Kendziorek) Share

ST. CROIX, U.S.V.I.

Staff Sgt. Keith Taylor, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron loadmaster, prepares dropsondes for the storm as the Hurricane Hunters fly into Hurricane Sam, Sept. 27, 2021. Hurricane Sam had downgraded to a category 3 hurricane when the AF Reserve Hurricane Hunters entered, but was intensifying before they headed back. The Hurricane Hunters gather data weather data from dropsondes and aircraft sensors, which is given to the National Hurricane Center to assist them with their forecasts and storm warnings. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jessica L. Kendziorek) Share

ST. CROIX, U.S.V.I.

Staff Sgt. Keith Taylor, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron loadmaster, prepares dropsondes for the storm as the Hurricane Hunters fly into Hurricane Sam, Sept. 27, 2021. Hurricane Sam had downgraded to a category 3 hurricane when the AF Reserve Hurricane Hunters entered, but was intensifying before they headed back. The Hurricane Hunters gather data weather data from dropsondes and aircraft sensors, which is given to the National Hurricane Center to assist them with their forecasts and storm warnings. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jessica L. Kendziorek) Share

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga.

Air Force Reserve commander Lt. Gen. Richard Scobee speaks at an Air, Space & Cyberspace Conference panel titled Total Force - Air and Space, at National Harbor, Maryland, Sept. 21, 2021. Retired Maj. Gen. Douglas Raaberg, Air Force Association executive vice president, moderated the panel that also included Lt. Gen. Michael Loh, director of the Air National Guard. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Brent A. Skeen) Share

GYPSUM, Colo.

Senior Master Sgt. Robert Mitchell, and Senior Airman Kaleb Walker, 757th Airlift Squadron loadmasters, pull the parachute bags into the aircraft after paratroopers static line jump from the C-130H Hercules during the 22nd Air Force’s flagship exercise Rally in the Rockies Sept. 13-17, 2021. The exercise is designed to develop Airmen for combat operations by challenging them with realistic scenarios that support a full spectrum of operations during military actions, operations or hostile environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jessica Kendziorek) Share

GYPSUM, Colo.

Maj. George Metros, 815th Airlift Squadron pilot, checks the navigation in preparation for landing at Vail Valley Jet Center, Gypsum, Colorado during the 22nd Air Force’s flagship exercise Rally in the Rockies Sept. 13-17, 2021. The exercise is designed to develop Airmen for combat operations by challenging them with realistic scenarios that support a full spectrum of operations during military actions, operations or hostile environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jessica Kendziorek) Share

GYPSUM, Colo.

Members of the 815th Airlift Squadron out of Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. and the 757th Airlift Squadron out of Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio taxi after landing in formation at the Vail Valley Jet Center, Gypsum, Colorado after conducting an airdrop in Taylor Park, Colorado during the 22nd Air Force’s flagship exercise Rally in the Rockies Sept. 13-17, 2021. The exercise is designed to develop Airmen for combat operations by challenging them with realistic scenarios that support a full spectrum of operations during military actions, operations or hostile environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jessica Kendziorek) Share

GYPSUM, Colo.

The 815th Airlift Squadron C-130J Super Hercules parked after landing at the Vail Valley Jet Center, Gypsum, Colorado after the airdrop at Taylor Park, Colorado during the 22nd Air Force’s flagship exercise Rally in the Rockies Sept. 13-17, 2021. The exercise is designed to develop Airmen for combat operations by challenging them with realistic scenarios that support a full spectrum of operations during military actions, operations or hostile environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jessica Kendziorek) Share