Winter Weather Reconnaissance
The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, assigned to the 403rd Wing, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, is renowned for its daring missions into hurricanes, but their work extends beyond tropical storms. During the winter months, they shift their focus to atmospheric rivers—narrow corridors of concentrated moisture that can bring intense rainfall and cause significant flooding, particularly in the western United States. Since 2018, there has been a 600% increase in demand for winter storm reconnaissance to assist West Coast states with their water management. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Lt. Col. Marnee A.C. Losurdo)