What actually started for a dare has grown into a full fledged squadron responsible for tracking, measuring, and reporting on tropical storms and hurricanes.

With ten WC-130J aircraft, that squadron is stationed within Biloxi, Mississippi at Kessler Surroundings Force Base. The aircraft and crew are the main 403rd Wing. With a history over fifty years, traced into the 3rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron. Nevertheless, during this time, the B-17 was the aircraft of choice for weather reconnaissance at the time of World War 11. With September 1945, the 53rd became the main to fly into some sort of hurricane intentionally. It grew to be their primary mission, nevertheless, and the name "Hurricane Hunters" seemed very fitting.

For any next several decades, the squadron was deployed around the world. Because there wasn't satellite communications, the 53rd would become to blame for collecting and transmitted info to weather stations all over the planet. These weather stations would prepare forecasts for any U. S. Weather Bureau and north america Air Force. Another type of aircraft that was often used was the WB-25 Mitchell. This was a mid-sized bomber that were left with a variety of missions.

It wasn't until 1947 that the country Weather Bureau would get started their hurricane warning service. In 1953, all hurricanes may be given the names associated with women. It was a way for the public to help easily track the hurricanes. Several experiments were directed by the 53rd thanks to the Weather Bureau. One experiment tried to diminish the intensity of some sort of hurricane by spraying your clouds with dry the rocks particles. Unfortunately, this was not effective.

As soon as WWII had ended, that 53rd inherited several WB-29 Superfortress plane. This was the first aircraft that was designed for the weather service with the letter "W. " This was also the first aircraft that flew above some sort of hurricane at an altitude of 22, 000 feet. A special assignment, though, was still to come.

In 1953, the squadron was flying daily into the far north and the kids of the crew and also other personnel wanted their letters delivered to Santa. The word quickly spread and suddenly they had letters to Santa pouring in from across the world. The 53rd would be responsible for those letters for years to come.

There were other aircraft which were used by the 53rd over time. The WB-47 Stratojet would eventually be replaced through the WC-130 Hercules in 1963. When Hurricane Camille hit your Gulf Coast in 1969, Congress wanted the Hurricane Hunters to become closer to the Shore. By 1973, they got their request and also the 53rd moved to Keesler Surroundings Force Base in Mississippi.

In 1975, the Air Pressure Reserve would activate your 815th Weather Reconnaisance Squadron. Nicknamed the "Storm Trackers, " many combined missions while using the 53rd would earn respect through the entire Armed Forces. In 1991, the 53rd would be deactivated as a result of budget cuts and the entire mission of hurricane hunting would featuring 815th. The combination of tactical airlift missions and storm hunting would prove an excessive amount for one squadron, however. The weather squadron cut back the "Hurricane Hunters" and the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron carries on the tradition today. Flight Manual, Flight ManualsAir Force One