KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss.

Staff Sgt. Kevin Cheatham, 403rd Maintenance Squadron Isochronal inspection technician and support equipment manager at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, shows one of the portable lights on the new maintenance platforms, commonly referred to as “stands,” April 29, 2016. The squadron recieved the new stands April 14, 2016. The previous stands became outdated, not meeting fall protection limits, and they were not configured all the way around the aircraft. The new stands are placed completely around the aircraft to include the nose and tail sections, provide more working area and access to power and lighting. (U.S. Air Force photo/Maj. Marnee A.C. Losurdo) Share

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss.

The Air Force Reserve's 403rd Maintenance Squadron Isochronal Inspection Dock at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, received new maintenance platforms, commonly referred to as “stands,” April 14, 2016. The previous stands became outdated, not meeting fall protection limits, and they were not configured all the way around the aircraft. The new stands are placed completely around the aircraft to include the nose and tail sections, provide more working area and access to power and lighting. (U.S. Air Force photo/Maj. Marnee A.C. Losurdo) Share

Members of the 81st Computer Science Corporation, a civilian contractor with the 81st Training Wing, check for serial numbers on the gas mask for Tech. Sgt. Joel Wilson, 41st Aerial Port Squadron air transportation craftsman. 403rd Wing members processed through the simulated passenger terminal during the pre-deployment portion of the Readiness Assistance Visit 2 held during the July unit training assembly. 81st CSC members took inventory of the training gear issued to 403rd WG members and ensured their mobility folders had accurate documentation. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Ryan Labadens) Share

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss.--Senior Airman Zachary Zieman (left) and Staff Sgt. Dana Kelley, 815th Airlift Squadron loadmasters, hook up a chain to the back of a M35 2.5 ton cargo truck, also known as a "deuce-and-a-half." During the 403rd Wing's August Unit Training Assembly, Citizen Airmen of the 815th AS and the 41st Aerial Port Squadron practiced loading and offloading the truck onto one of the squadron's C-130J-30 aircraft. The C-130J-30 is a "stretched" version of the J-model with 15 additional feet in length allowing crews to load more cargo than legacy C-130s. Rather than backing the vehicle onto the plane, they used the truck to simulate heavy, stationary cargo that needed to be on-loaded using a system of chains, hooks and pulleys. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Tech. Sgt. Ryan Labadens) Share

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) Share

A fire truck arrives on the scene ready for action during upgrade training for 403rd CES firefighters. Share