AF Reserve Hurricane Hunters

AF Reserve Hurricane Hunters This is the official page of the Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters. The 403rd Wing Public Affairs office maintains this page. This is a moderated forum.
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The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron of the 403rd Wing collects data for tropical weather and winter storms. If you wish to comment, use the text box. The Department of the Air Force reserves the right to modify this policy at any time. That means all comments will be reviewed. In addition, we expect that participants will treat each other, as well as our agency and our employees, with respect

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Our 403d Wing, Air Force Reserve, alongside Keesler Air Force Base, hosted members from U.S. Senator Roger Wicker’s offi...
08/31/2026

Our 403d Wing, Air Force Reserve, alongside Keesler Air Force Base, hosted members from U.S. Senator Roger Wicker’s office, which included a 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron mission brief and a tour of a WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft.

Looking for an eyes-in-the-sky update? Our crews are currently staying busy tracking storms from the Pacific to the Atlantic, along with a current disturbance in the Gulf of America. 🇺🇲🌀

📸 by Staff Sgt. Stacey Thornburg

08/28/2026

As Tropical Storm Dolly dissipates in the Atlantic, our Hurricane Hunters will continue to train and stand by for future missions.

Dolly Parton once said, “I've always believed that if you are in a position to help, you should. ”

Our crews do just that — ready to head into storms at a moment’s notice to help those back on the home front prepare.

Two Dollys. One mission: help people. ❤️✈️

🎥 by Staff Sgt. Stacey Thornburg & Lt. Col. Mark Withee

Did you know? 👀When you see “TEAL” on a flight tracker, you’re not watching just any aircraft- you’re watching the Air F...
08/26/2026

Did you know? 👀

When you see “TEAL” on a flight tracker, you’re not watching just any aircraft- you’re watching the Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters in action! 🌀✈️

📊Infographic by Staff Sgt. Stacey Thornburg

Maj. Sarah Olsen, one of our aerial reconnaissance weather officers, spoke with Bill Snyder and Hugh Keeton, local news ...
08/22/2026

Maj. Sarah Olsen, one of our aerial reconnaissance weather officers, spoke with Bill Snyder and Hugh Keeton, local news anchors for South Mississippi’s WLOX, about the current hurricane season, Hurricane Lala, and even diving into the atmospheric river missions that take place off-season.

The segment will broadcast on WLOX News This Week tomorrow morning at 8:30 A.M. CST

📸 by Staff Sgt. Stacey Thornburg

When a hurricane meets its hunter, the fury remains—but so does the determination of the Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hun...
08/19/2026

When a hurricane meets its hunter, the fury remains—but so does the determination of the Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters.

We take an inside look at the aircrew members of the WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft as they face the extreme conditions of these storms head-on to collect critical data that helps forecasters better understand and track hurricanes.

🔗Click the link below to read the full story, “The Hurricane Vs. The Hunter”.

📸 and ✍️ by Staff Sgt. Stacey Thornburg.

When a hurricane meets its hunter, the fury remains, but so does the determination of the Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters.

The Air Force Reserve’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron Hurricane Hunters flew into Tropical Storm Lala yesterday, ...
08/15/2026

The Air Force Reserve’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron Hurricane Hunters flew into Tropical Storm Lala yesterday, collecting critical atmospheric data to help forecasters better determine the storm’s location, intensity and movement.

As the storm impacts the Hawaiian Islands, residents and visitors are encouraged to stay weather aware, prepare for changing conditions and follow the National Hurricane Center for the latest official forecasts and advisories.

📸 | courtesy photos

08/13/2026

From training one week to real-world missions the next, our Hunters are always on the move at a moment’s notice. They departed Keesler AFB on Monday and are currently monitoring Tropical Storm Lala in the Pacific, with eyes in the sky for Hawaii.

🎥 by Lt. Col. Mark Withee

08/08/2026

We are staying busy and by conducting routine training flights to keep our skills sharp during this hurricane season!

🎥 by SSgt Stacey Thornburg

07/23/2026

Waves from Tropical Storm Bertha are impacting the Louisiana coast as the system moves toward Texas. Data collected by the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron help improve National Hurricane Center forecasts, giving communities more accurate information to prepare for changing conditions. Continue to monitor the National Hurricane Center and your local National Weather Service office for the latest forecasts, watches and warnings.

Address

701 Fisher Street, Rm 204
Keesler Air Force Base, MS
39534

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:45pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:45pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:45pm
Thursday 8am - 4:45pm
Friday 8am - 4:45pm

Telephone

+12283772056

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