The “Hurricane Hunters” carry out the Fiona mission

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Airmen assigned to the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, deployed to the U.S. Virgin Islands as they collect data on Hurricane Fiona as it remains a threat to land.

The squadron, known as the “Hurricane Hunters”, is the only operational unit in the world to carry out regular weather reconnaissance. Its missions provide atmospheric data that forecasters use to create more accurate models.

Hurricane Hunters began flying over Fiona on September 15, when it was a tropical storm.

It made landfall as a hurricane in Puerto Rico on September 18, knocking out power to the island and causing widespread devastation. The Governor of Puerto Rico has activated more than 450 members of the Puerto Rico National Guard to assist with response efforts.

1st Lt. Ashley Kosturock, a pilot with the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, goes through pre-flight checks on a WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Sept. 22, 2022. The 53rd WRS is currently deployed from their home base of Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, to support atmospheric data collection efforts on Hurricane Fiona and the suspect area near the Lesser Antilles. (US Air Force courtesy photo)
Puerto Rico National Guard soldiers assigned to the 125th Military Police Battalion help rescue families trapped by flooding during Hurricane Fiona. (National Guard Photograph)
Puerto Rico National Guardsmen rescue a man who was caught in a flash flood caused by Hurricane Fiona in Ponce, Puerto Rico. The hurricane knocked out power to the entire island. (National Guard Photograph)
Puerto Rico National Guard soldiers assigned to the 125th Military Police Battalion help rescue families trapped by flooding during Hurricane Fiona. The Guard pre-positioned personnel and heavy equipment in nine locations ahead of the storm. (National Guard Photograph)
1st Lt. Cristina Pereda, an aerial reconnaissance weather officer with the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, tests an oxygen mask on a WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Sept. 22, 2022. The 53rd WRS is currently deployed from their home base of Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, to support atmospheric data collection efforts during Hurricane Fiona and the suspect area near the Lesser Antilles. (US Air Force courtesy photo)







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