Hurricane Sam

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)