Welcome to the home of the world famous Hurricane Hunters

It all started on a dare.

It’s true! We fly right into the eye of a hurricane!

The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, more commonly known as the “Hurricane Hunters”, is one-of-a-kind. We are the only Department of Defense organization flying into tropical storms and hurricanes — since 1944.

Our ten Lockheed-Martin WC-130J aircraft and crews are part of the 403rd Wing, based at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings

John Gillespie Magee

Upcoming Events

01.01-04.30

Atmospheric River Sacramento California

4.15 - 4.21

CHAT
Multiple Locations TBD

5.5 - 5.10

HAT
Multiple Locations TBD

Media Requests

If you're a bona-fide member of the media, you may get permission to fly on one of our storm missions. Contact us as soon as possible because our flights fill up fast — especially as the storm approaches land.