'Hurricane Hunters' fly into PAC storm

KONA AIRPORT, Hawaii - The Air Force Reserve “Hurricane Hunters” aircrews flew five weather reconnaissance missions into Hurricane Douglas, the season’s first hurricane in the Pacific Ocean, from July 24-27, collecting data to assist Central Pacific Hurricane Center forecasters. The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, assigned to the 403rd Wing, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., departed from home July 22 to begin flying missions into the hurricane from Kalaeloa Airport on July 24 and moved operations to Kona International on July 26 to get out of the path of the storm, and finished their last mission July 27. Douglas peaked as a Category 4 storm before weakening throughout the day, and is expected to continue to do so as it approaches the Hawaiian Islands. It was projected to impact the islands until late Monday. The information the 53rd WRS collects assists forecasters, because while satellites do provide a lot of information, they don’t provide everything, according to Maj. Grant Wagner, 53rd WRS mission commander. “The Pacific and Atlantic Oceans are data-sparse environments as they lack radar and weather balloons in the area,” Wagner said. “We are able to get into the storm, find the center, and get that ground-truth data that assists with movement and intensity forecasts. The data we collect can improve a forecast by anywhere from 15-25%.” (Source: 403rd Wing 07/28/20) https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2291002/hurricane-hunters-fly-first-pacific-hurricane/