Hurricane Hunters Track Ike

Once the six-bladed props start spinning, it's time for Weather Reconnaissance Loadmaster, Tech. Sgt. Scott Blair, to board and ensure the aircraft is closed up tight before takeoff. Sergeant Blair, a Reservist with the Hurricane Hunters, is responsible for the safety of the aircraft and is also tasked with launching and gathering weather data through the use of an instrument called a dropsonde. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Tech. Sgt. James B. Pritchett)