Hurricane Hunters brief audience on Capitol Hill

Published May 27, 2009
Air Force Reserve Command Public Affairs

WASHINGTON -- Keesler's Hurricane Hunters don't just fly down into the eye of a hurricane. They fly right through the "eyewall" into the storm.

Members of Congress, congressional staffers and military legislative assistants learned this detail and other fascinating facts about the Air Force Reserve's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron's unique mission May 7-8.

"Last year we flew into the eye of a hurricane 162 times, and that's not counting the
smaller storms," said Maj. Chad Gibson, 403rd Wing chief of public affairs. "At any given
time, we can fly into three separate storms and collect critical data."

Brig. Gen. James Muscatell, 403rd Wing commander, joined Major Gibson in briefing
more than 60 senators, representaitves and staffers. The reservists showed videos of the Hurricane Hunters in action and provided a comprehensive briefing about the wing's missions.

In addition to talking about the weather reconnaissance mission, the reservists spoke
about the wing's 815th Airlift Squadron, nicknamed the Flying Jennies, and the squadron's C-130J Hercules tactical capabilities in overseas contingency operations.

Twice a year, representatives from Air Force Reserve Command units present unique missions and capabilities to key congressional contacts. These "From the Field" briefs are organized by the policy integration directorate for the Office of theAir Force Reserve in the Pentagon.

"We know that congressional staffers want to hear from the troops," said Lt. Col. Vanessa Dornhoefer, an individual mobilization augmentee in the directorate. "This is our way in the Air Force Reserve to get our missions and people visibility on Capitol Hill. It's also a way to continue building our valuable relationships with congressional members and their staff."

The directorate has hosted a variety of From the Field briefings. These briefings have featured members of an aeromedical crew, an F-22 pilot and combat search and rescue people from the 920th Rescue Wing. While the briefings often showcase a specific mission, they also provide the Air Force Reserve with visibility and presence on Capitol Hill.

Staffers and members of Congress usually ask questions after these presentations. During the most recent briefing, many were curious about the technical aspects of the C-130J and impact of a high-ops tempo on reservists.

Several staffers wanted to know about the 53rd's relationship with the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration, the unit's winter storm plan mission, alternate locations for aircraft and details about the airframe.

Some people in the audience sought general information about the Air Force Reserve.
General Muscatell and Major Gibson answered questions about reservists' civilian employer relationships, equipment and modernization needs and the wing's social media initiatives.

"The 403rd's memorable briefing helped put a face on the Air Force Reserve," said
Colonel Dornhoefer.

"We are constantly re-working our strategy to make sure we are providing the right information at the right time to congressional staffers," she said. "This briefing put the Air Force Reserve on the congressional radar as hurricane season approaches."