[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 108 (Wednesday, June 27, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E935]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE LEGACY OF THE 53RD WEATHER RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHARLIE CRIST

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 27, 2018

  Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of the 53rd 
Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, the famed ``Hurricane Hunters.'' This 
group of brave men and women from across the country save countless 
lives each year by literally ``flying into the eye of the storm,'' to 
collect data unattainable by other means. In communities across 
Florida, we have seen firsthand how critical this information is to 
hurricane preparedness and recovery.
  The ``Hurricane Hunters'' are a component of the 403rd Wing at 
Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. Serving the Eastern Gulf 
of Mexico, they are the only operational unit in the world, flying 
weather reconnaissance on a regular basis. Their 20 aircrews 
consistently fly into tropical storms and hurricanes to fulfill their 
mission when and where it is most critically needed.
  Early and accurate detection is key to providing millions of 
Americans ample time to prepare and evacuate. The 53rd Weather 
Reconnaissance Squadron is on constant stand-by, and can be deployed to 
up to three storms at once--crucial during a busy storm season. The 
53rd works closely with the National Hurricane Center and NOAA to 
collect and relay real-time data from the center of the storm, the 
backbone of public weather alerts and warnings.
  While modern satellites have greatly improved our ability to analyze 
storms at a distance, the data collected through firsthand observation 
provides a level of detail that remote analysis cannot match. By 
providing this information, the 53rd reduces the ``cone of 
uncertainty,'' projecting the storm's path, by nearly 30 percent. These 
enhanced projections provide critical lead time to prepare and respond, 
enhancing the protection of lives and property.
  In a typically male-dominated field, the 53rd Squadron also stands 
out. With six female officers, they serve as role models for little 
girls everywhere who love science and dream of serving their country.
  I am humbled to honor the legacy of our Hurricane Hunters, who put 
their lives on the line every day to protect Floridians and the 
American people from tropical storms and hurricanes. I thank them for 
all that they do, risking their lives in service to the public.

                          ____________________