WASHINGTON, D.C.

Lt. Col. Steven Burton, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron director of operations, along with NOAA Cmdr. Kevin Doremus, NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations headquarters, and Dr. Anna M. Wilson, Assistant Director of Atmospheric River Reconnaissance at the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes at Scripps, briefed congressional staff members about their unique and vital role in forecasting extreme weather at the U.S. Capitol June 24, 2025. The 53rd WRS, part of the Air Force Reserve's 403rd Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, is the only Department of Defense unit dedicated to aerial weather reconnaissance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lt. Col. Ethan Stoker) Share

WASHINGTON, D.C.

NOAA Cmdr. Kevin Doremus, NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations headquarters, and Lt. Col. Steven Burton, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron director of operations, along with Dr. Anna M. Wilson, Assistant Director of Atmospheric River Reconnaissance at the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes at Scripps, briefed congressional staff members about their unique and vital role in forecasting extreme weather during an event at the U.S. Capitol June 24, 2025. The 53rd WRS, part of the Air Force Reserve's 403rd Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, is the only Department of Defense unit dedicated to aerial weather reconnaissance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lt. Col. Ethan Stoker) Share

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss.

Tech. Sgt. Vincent Boyd, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron loadmasters, briefs media representatives on a tour of a WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft during Media Day at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., May 6, 2025. As part of Hurricane Preparedness Week, the event offered nine civilian media outlets an inside look at the 53rd WRS—known as the Hurricane Hunters—and their mission. Media personnel interviewed squadron members to better understand the unit’s role in collecting critical data during storms, which enhances forecast accuracy and supports public safety and disaster readiness efforts across the nation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Emily Bloodworth). Share

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss.

Lt. Col. Jeremy Dehart, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron aerial reconnaissance weather officer, talks to the media during a tour of a WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft during Media Day at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., May 6, 2025. As part of Hurricane Preparedness Week, the event offered nine civilian media outlets an inside look at the 53rd WRS—known as the Hurricane Hunters—and their mission. Media personnel interviewed squadron members to better understand the unit’s role in collecting critical data during storms, which enhances forecast accuracy and supports public safety and disaster readiness efforts across the nation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Emily Bloodworth). Share

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss.

The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron provided a tour of a WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft during Media Day at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., May 6, 2025. As part of Hurricane Preparedness Week, the event offered nine civilian media outlets an inside look at the 53rd WRS—known as the Hurricane Hunters—and their mission. Media personnel interviewed squadron members to better understand the unit’s role in collecting critical data during storms, which enhances forecast accuracy and supports public safety and disaster readiness efforts across the nation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Emily Bloodworth). Share

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss.

Lt. Col. Sean Cross, 403rd Wing Chief of Safety, briefs nine civilian media outlets on hurricane preparedness and the impact of Hurricane Katrina during a Media Day at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., May 6, 2025. The event was organized to emphasize Hurricane Preparedness Week, and allowed the 403rd Wing to highlight its mission, focus media attention on readiness for the upcoming hurricane season, and showcase the capabilities of the 53rd WRS, also known as the Hurricane Hunters. The briefing marked the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, a catastrophic storm that devastated the Gulf Coast and reshaped emergency preparedness efforts in the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Emily Bloodworth). Share

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss.

Air Force Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 403rd Security Forces Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, grab their weapons as part of the Battle Forged Run where units could test participants’ warrior ethos, teamwork, and operational endurance in a high-intensity, mission-oriented environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Shelby Jessee) Share

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss.

Air Force Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 403rd Security Forces Squadron pose for a group photo on Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, May 03, 2025. These Airmen were the first team to compete in the Battle Forged Run. The run brought together five teams of ten Airmen from across the wing to compete in a timed course simulating combat operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Shelby Jessee) Share

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss.

Air Force Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 403rd Security Forces Squadron run toward the finishing line on Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, May 03, 2025. The Airmen were competing in the Battle Forged Run where they could test their warrior ethos, teamwork, and operational endurance in a high-intensity, mission-oriented environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Shelby Jessee) Share

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss.

Air Force Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 403rd Security Forces Squadron carry a litter with a mannequin on Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, May 3, 2025. The Airmen carried the litter as a team challenge during the Battle Forged Run. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Shelby Jessee) Share

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss.

Air Force Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 403rd Security Forces Squadron set down a litter on Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., May 3, 2025. The Airmen were required to carry the litter with the mannequin after completing the low crawl as part of the Battle Forged Run. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Shelby Jessee) Share

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss.

Air Force Reserve Airmen from the 41st Aerial Port Squadron participate in a ceremony before the Port Dawg Memorial Run in Biloxi, Miss., May 03, 2025. The ceremony is a way to remember and honor the lives of fallen members before they begin the run. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Shelby Jessee) Share