Flying atmospheric rivers

Tech. Sgt. Karen Moore and Chief Master Sgt. Rick Cumbo, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron loadmasters, analyze weather data being relayed to the aircraft by a dropsonde, a parachute-borne cylindrical instrument that collects meteorological data as it drops toward the surface of the water. The Hurricane Hunters flew several research missions Feb. 11-25 to collect meteorological data from atmospheric rivers above the Pacific to assist in improving West Coast weather forecasts. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Kimberly Spusta)