Hurricane Hunters Conclude Active 2024 Season
The 2024 hurricane season ended on November 30, highlighting the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron’s engagement in 107 missions covering 14 storms. Noteworthy events included the June Category 5 Hurricane Beryl and the November Hurricane Rafael. The squadron emphasized the necessity for preparedness, even in inland regions, and will continue operations through the winter season.
The 2024 hurricane season concluded on November 30, marking the end of a notably active period for the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, commonly referred to as the Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters, based at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi. This dedicated unit undertook a total of 107 missions, logging 1,130 hours of flight time as they engaged with 14 significant storms across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Lieutenant Colonel Mark Withee, navigator for the 53rd WRS, described the season as an extraordinary roller coaster, noting the occurrence of very powerful storms, including Hurricane Beryl, a remarkable Category 5 storm for June, and Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 storm that made an unusual appearance in November. He emphasized the necessity for ongoing preparedness during hurricane season, extending beyond coastal regions to inland areas affected by storms such as Helene, which wreaked havoc in the Appalachians.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Mitchell, director of operations for the squadron, the intensity and location of activity varies each season. The National Hurricane Operations Plan mandates that the squadron maintains readiness for 24-hour operations, supporting simultaneous reconnaissance for up to three storms. The operational range of the unit extends from the mid-Atlantic to Hawaii, necessitating strategic deployments to locations like St. Croix and Barbers Point, Hawaii.
In collaboration with NOAA’s Aircraft Operations Center, which operates WP-3D Orions and a Gulfstream GIV-SP for high-altitude data collection, the team flew 1,130.6 hours out of a total of 1,609 hours contributed by both organizations this season. Much emphasis was placed on the significance of the data collected, which is essential for precise storm tracking and forecasting. Notably, the season commenced with the early formation of Tropical Storm Alberto and subsequently transitioned into engagements with several impactful storms, including the highly intense Hurricane Milton.
As the hurricane season has concluded, the squadron continues to prepare for winter reconnaissance operations, ready to tackle atmospheric rivers and winter storms, exemplifying their commitment to maintaining effective meteorological support year-round.
The hurricane season, which takes place annually, poses significant hazards to coastal and inland areas across the United States and its territories. The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron plays a pivotal role in monitoring these weather phenomena through the use of specialized aircraft designed for storm reconnaissance. Their accurate data collection is crucial for forecasting and mitigating the impact of hurricanes. The 2024 season was characterized by a combination of early impactful storms and unique occurrences that emphasized the necessity for vigilance and preparedness in affected regions.
The 2024 hurricane season observed by the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron was marked by significant activity and notable storms, including a rare early Category 5 hurricane and a Category 3 that formed in November. The dedication of the Hurricane Hunters, who completed over 1,100 hours of storm reconnaissance missions, plays an essential role in enhancing hurricane forecasts. As the squadron transitions to winter operations, their focus on continuous support remains crucial for meteorological services.
Original Source: www.315aw.afrc.af.mil
