News

Feb. 8, 2025
Hurricane Hunters fly atmospheric river missions to improve forecasts

During the winter months, the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, commonly known as the “Hurricane Hunters,” shifts their focus to flying atmospheric rivers, which are narrow corridors of concentrated moisture that can bring intense rainfall and cause significant flooding in the western United
Oct. 10, 2024
Hurricane Hunters fly Milton, collect data for NHC forecasts

The Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters flew their last mission into Hurricane Milton Wednesday, their eighth mission into the storm since Sunday, collecting data to assist National Hurricane Center forecasters.
Aug. 16, 2024
Improved Atmospheric River forecasts assist West Coast water, emergency managers

California’s weather swings between wet and dry periods so it’s critical for the state to have accurate forecasts so they can employ effective water management strategies. To improve these forecasts and help residents of not just California, but several West Coast states, representatives with the
May 13, 2024
Hurricane Awareness Tour promotes weather readiness

To promote the importance of preparing now for hurricane season, which starts June 1, the Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircrew with their WC-130J Super Hercules and a team of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration hurricane experts visited five Atlantic Coast cities as part of this
May 1, 2024
Media Advisory: Hurricane Hunters promote preparedness during East Coast tour

With the 2024 hurricane season fast approaching, NOAA and the U.S. Air Force Reserve will host a series of events to help the communities along the East Coast prepare. Media and the public can meet NOAA hurricane experts, scientists and crew members and get a close-up look at some of the aircraft
April 21, 2024
Caribbean outreach mission promotes hurricane preparedness

Hurricane season starts June 1 and to help communities prepare, the Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters and a team of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasters visited four Caribbean locations April 16-20 as part of the annual Caribbean Hurricane Awareness Tour.
April 5, 2024
Media Advisory: U.S. hurricane forecasters embark on preparedness mission to Caribbean

With the 2024 hurricane season approaching, NOAA and the U.S. Air Force Reserve will host a series of events, including public tours of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron WC 130J Super Hercules, to help communities in the Caribbean prepare.
April 10, 2023
Hurricane forecasters embark on preparedness mission to Mexico and Caribbean

With the 2023 hurricane season fast approaching, NOAA and the U.S. Air Force Reserve will host a series of events to help communities in Mexico and the Caribbean prepare for upcoming storms this season. National Hurricane Center (NHC) Acting Director Jamie Rhome, along with several hurricane
Aug. 24, 2022
NOAA, Congressional Staffers visit 53rd WRS

Rear Adm. Chad M. Cary, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Marine and Aviation's deputy director for operations and deputy director of NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps, and 10 congressional staffers involved with various environmentally-focused committees received a 53rd
May 23, 2022
Hurricane Hunters brief mission to President at interagency preseason hurricane event

It’s not every day that a unit gets invited to participate in an event that informs the President of the United States about interagency efforts to prepare for and respond to hurricanes.That day turned out to be May 18 for one 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron WC-130J Super Hercules aircrew and