Hurricane Hunters

The Hurricane Hunters

We've passed the peak of the hurricane season, and what a season it's been. We flew nearly every day since July 30th, sometimes into two different storms simultaneously. In August and September, we logged over 80 flights into the storms, although we haven't yet beaten our record flying in 1995 (not that it is a record we WANT to break). This season got personal, with Category 3 Ivan taking a side-swipe at our home base. We safely evacuated all of our aircraft out of harm's way (we'll fly 'em, but we don't choose to ride out a hurricane on the ground), while at the same time continued to fly both Ivan and Jeanne around the clock.

Note: When there is an active storm, see our latest reports and visit the National Hurricane Center for bulletins and advisories, and if you're under threat, please tune in to your local media.

It's true! We fly airplanes right into the eye of the hurricane, and we invite you along for the ride-in Cyberspace! This is the place to see unique photos inside the hurricanes. The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, known as the Hurricane Hunters of the Air Force Reserve, is one-of-a-kind: the only Department of Defense organization still flying into tropical storms and hurricanes--since 1944. Our ten Lockheed-Martin WC-130 aircraft and crews are part of the 403rd Wing, based at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Comments and suggestions are welcome! You are invited to send e-mail to info@hurricanehunters.com. This site is managed by the non-profit Hurricane Hunter Association. Please read these important disclaimers and site info. For media requests: please contact the 403rd Wing Public Affairs branch at 228-377-2056.

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to the Hurricane Hunters Home Page! Last update: October 1, 2004.

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