A Few Of FR's Finest....Every Day....05-14-03....Hurricane Hunters

dansangel; Billie

[dansangel]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

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A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay, or a profile of another FReeper.

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~ Billie, daisyscarlett, dansangel, dutchess, Mama_Bear

Hurricane Hunters

While most of us who have been through the fury of a hurricane would do everything we could to avoid bearing the brunt of its destructive energy, there are some very special individuals who purposely fly into the storm to gather data for the National Hurricane Center. They have come to be known as "Hurricane Hunters."

The Hurricane Hunters who are stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi typically fly in a WC-130 Hercules aircraft. The crew is made up of six people; the aircraft commander, pilot, flight engineer, navigator, weather officer and a dropsonde (more about that in a minute) system operator.

Hurricane season lasts from June 1 through November 30 as most residents of the East Coast and Gulf regions know all too well. Most tropical depressions that grow into full-fledged hurricanes begin their "lives" off of the coast of Africa. While travelling over the Atlantic Ocean, these tropical depressions may find conditions ripe for building up to hurricane force.

Once that happens, the Hurricane Hunters swing into action. Boarding the WC-130 Hercules and taking off on their mission, these very brave people actually fly into the storm, recording data on position, dewpoint and pressure readings every thirty seconds and beaming this information, by satellite, to the National Hurricane Center.

One of the methods used to gather this information is via a dropsonde. This device is a small canister about the size of a large "Pringles" chips can. The dropsonde acts as a "mini-weather station" and is fired out into the storm by the system operator. While the dropsonde is falling, a parachute is deployed, allowing the device to transmit important information in tandem with the weather officer's onboard computer. This data is interpreted at the National Hurricane Center so that appropriate life-saving warnings may be broadcast to those in the storm's path. In addition to helping forecasters to make accurate predictions during the course of the storm, the data also aids hurricane forecasters in their understanding of what makes such a storm "tick," improving their forecast models.

In the event that Keesler AFB is inaccessible due to a hurricane positioned in the Gulf, Charleston AFB, Patrick AFB and Homestead AFB are all alternate locations for the Hurricane Hunters. No matter where the storm is located nor how intense, the Hurricane Hunters are ever-ready to put themselves into harm's way so that lives may be saved.

May God bless and protect those that risk their lives in an effort to save ours. It is with great pleasure that I bring the "Hurricane Hunters" to a Few of FR's Finest!

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 05-12-03 Military Monday 05-13-03 How Does Your Garden Grow?

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' The guy's good, folks!

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God Bless Our Military

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Below are names of some of our FReepers' loved ones who are serving our country. If you have someone you would like to add, please address a post to Billie; Daisyscarlett; Dansangel; Dutchess; Mama_Bear; and we will add their name to this list. As we pray for them, we pray also for all our nation’s leaders, and military personnel, and their families and friends. May God hold them close to His heart.

~~~~~~~~~~   ~~~~~~~~~~

We ask Lord, that You guide the leaders of our great country in their hour of decision. The burden that has been placed on their shoulders is overwhelming. We ask that with Your infinite wisdom You guide them gently to the right decisions.

Please give us the strength, Lord, to get through each difficult and devastating day that faces each of us and our country. Protect and guide our Military that are now being called to duty, strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OhioWfan........................son mystery-ak..........son, husband Gogrammy................grandson Inspectorette...................son Blessed American..........nephew Slip18..........................nephew anniegetyourgun...........nephew Pippin....niece,nephew,loved one Doug from Upland......son-in-law weldgophardline.....brotherinlaw Future Snake Eater..........cousin WaterDragon..son-in-law,grandson BeforeISleep...................son Warrior Nurse...........active duty SK1 Thurman...........active duty David Osborne.........active duty fc2tomschermuly......active duty bkwells..................active duty LadyX....................grandson LongCut..................active duty Trish.......................active duty The Mayor................niece

Maigrey................cousin ladtx....................2 sons Mama_Bear...........nephew gator girl............husband severa................husband MozartLover...........nephew LBGA........................son SpookBrat...........nephew Himyar.....................son boxerblues............2 sons the piper...................son sheeza...............husband kemathen7...........husband Diver Dave................niece deadhead................cousin JimRobinson.....2 nephews Armymarinemom.....3 sons Consort...........2 daughters Darheel..................niece dixie sass.............nephew BeAllYouCanBe.........son AgThorn.............2 sons kneezles...........son

[dansangel]

[dansangel]

Please come join us as we welcome the Hurricane Hunters to A Few Of FR's Finest!

[Aeronaut]

Good morning Angel.

[.45MAN]

Good morning to all!! Hope everyone has a great day, it's the turning point of the week.

[dansangel]

{{{{{{{{Aeronaut}}}}}}}}

.45MAN was "mad" that you "beat him to it." LOL!!!

Happy HumpDay!

[dansangel]

[nicmarlo]

Morning dansy, this is too funny:

The Hurricane Hunters who are stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi typically fly in a WC-130 Hercules aircraft.

My maiden name is Keesler! I signed the online guest book at that Air Force Base about a year ago...... : ) Thanks for sharing about the Hurricane Hunters....I didn't know they were stationed there. : )

[dansangel]

My maiden name is Keesler! I signed the online guest book at that Air Force Base about a year ago...... : )

That *is* a coincidence! So, what kind of aircraft do you fly? :-)

[nicmarlo]

I went looking for pics, and here's a link I found showing more info about the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, known as the Hurricane Hunters of the Air Force Reserve. It says it's:

one-of-a-kind: the only Department of Defense organization still flying into tropical storms and hurricanes--since 1944. Our ten Lockheed-Martin WC-130 aircraft and crews are part of the 403rd Wing, based at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi.

and one of their pics....don't know if that's where you got yours, dansy:

A Typhoon:

Isn't that just beautiful??

[nicmarlo]

what kind of aircraft do you fly?

A tomcat

[dansangel]

It *is* beautiful....but I can't imagine flying into something like that. I'm a white-knuckled flyer in the best of conditions!

I did get a lot of my information form that site and the af.mil site as well.

[nicmarlo]

I've been in lots of different kinds of planes, even a privately owned four-seater....that sure was fun. I sat in the front....boy, could you see how beautiful the topography was where I used to live in western Colorado, over toward Utah area. I was less afraid in that than the larger planes...probably because I could actually see. As a kid, flying never frightened me, ever. As I've gotten older, the take offs make me nervous.....and I worry about my kids now, when they travel. But there's no way I'd purposely fly into a storm! (And I've been in the small prop planes in storms...talking about being knocked around!)

[dansangel]

Here's you at the controls and me just before I lost my lunch - LOL!!!

[dansangel]

(And I've been in the small prop planes in storms...talking about being knocked around!)

You *are* fearless! I was tricked into flying in a 10-seat commuter from W. Palm Beach to Miami in the mid-80's. We had to fly through a thunder cloud. When we reached the tarmac in Miami, I got down on my hands and knees, kissed the ground and announced, "If anyone needs me I'll be in the bar!" LOL!

[nicmarlo]

LOL! You bad, very bad!

[nicmarlo]

"If anyone needs me I'll be in the bar!"

I'll join ya (later), lol:

[MeekOneGOP]

Mornin', everybody ! Happy Tuesday !

72 degrees as I post this.

Have a cup while you FReep !

For those who prefer hot chocolate.....

[Molly Pitcher]

Good morning dansangel, everyone!

Great thread dansangel. Lots to learn. Thank you!

I flew in a 9-seater from Providence RI to Nantucket and back last summer.

When I arrived at the check in desk, and the fellow asked me my weight, I knew this ride would be something different!!!

Suddenly wondered if this was such a good idea....LOL! Had I eaten too much for lunch??!!

[MeekOneGOP]

Whoops ! Today is WEDNESDAY, not Tuesday ! . . .

[dixie sass]

Morning Dansangel! Over the hump day! What a timely article. Everytime we drive to the airport we see the Planes they use for the this service. They are beauties too. But then, dating a ex-navy pilot and having a dad and brother and son who adore anything that soared through sky... well, you kind of get an appreciation for the birds and the men who fly them.

Having gone through a few hurricanes (Yep, Hugo was one). I definitely have a great appreciatiation for what they do. They ARE risking their lives everytime they fly into a storm. They buck enormous winds and lighting - two of the most destructive forms of nature.

There was a documentry sometime ago and they showed the going from the most horrible storm into the calmness of the eye. Such a contrast. Buffeting winds and rain and incredible noise to an eerie silence by comparison.

Living in the Low Country of Charleston,we have a great appreciation for what they do.. these men give us early warning. They are the reason the Islands were evacuated in a timely manner, ships moved to sea anchor, business closed and protected, etc, etc.

[dixie sass]

lol.

[GailA]

Morning ALL...coffee's on

[dixie sass]

Mornin'

[Pippin]

Good Morning, Nic!

Forget what I said yesterday about going to Florida in January.

I I was premature in posting that info. I can't afford it!

I was supposed to go to a gathering for Tolkien fans (The folks on the Hobbit Hole thread)

But I can't go to Florida or anywhere else at this moment :O(

But I can still freep! :O)

[Temple Owl]

A very good morning dear angel and all. Have a second cuppa or something and enjoy life.

[dixie sass]

Morning Molly! It sure was good to hear your voice last night on Patriots of the Republic and Second Amendment. Sorry about the abrupt departure. Just a new problem or two since the accident.

Tell me everything that has happened in the last week since you have been out of pocket, so to speak.

1/6 of the D.C. Six to another 1/6. Together we are 1/3, I have not idea where that came from,lol.

[Lee'sGhost]

Help! I would love to have one of the neat little doll icons you guys use all the time. I need one that shows a blond girl on a motorcycle. It's a joke on a dear friend.

Anybody . . .

And good morning!!!

[dixie sass]

Welcome to the club Pippin - although, if we stuck out our thumbs, we could go places!!!

[dansangel]

Good morning, ((((((Meekie))))))!

It's gray and dreary here today and a *hot chocolate* would sure perk me up! :-)

[dansangel]

When I arrived at the check in desk, and the fellow asked me my weight, I knew this ride would be something different!!!

Oh my goodness! What if people *lied* about their weight? That is so funny!

(((((((((Molly)))))))))) - so great to see you! have a wonderful day!

[dansangel]

Whoops ! Today is WEDNESDAY, not Tuesday ! . . .

Please don't make this week any longer...LOL!

[dansangel]

Having gone through a few hurricanes (Yep, Hugo was one). How devastating ((((((((dixie sass))))))))))! Thank-you for sharing your experiences with the planes and the Hurricane Hunters. .45MAN is a former Air Force member and he has a lot of respect for the C-130s and what the brave Hurricane Hunters do. We actually have a friend that does this who couldn't be named in my article for legal purposes. His wife surely does worry about him!

[dansangel]

((((((((Gail))))))))

Thanks for the coffee and biscuits! Remember me to Rocky with the usual tummy rub and scratch behind the ears!

[dansangel]

Howdy ((((((Pippin)))))))

Happy hump-day!

[dansangel]

((((((((Temple Owl)))))))

I'm going to take you up on that second cup....Meekie, another hot chocolate, please! :-)

[Lee'sGhost]

Hugo. Been there, done that.

[Molly Pitcher]

dixie, hello! Of course, I'm a strong SA supporter (hence my name) and charter SA Sister, but that wasn't me last night, or at least THIS Molly! LOL!

Glad THAT Molly did a good job, tho.

Where and what was this? On the radio?

dansangel, no fibs allowed! :-))(The young fellow manning the desk could always guess a weight for you, probably)

[dansangel]

Sorry ((((((LG))))))), can't help you with that one. Now, if it was a smiley you were wanting, I have plenty of those!

Must get back to w-o-r-k ugh! Will check back in at lunch time.

[nicmarlo]

I can't afford it!

: ( I'm sorry, Pippin; I know what that's like though.....

[nicmarlo]

Morning, dixie sass! : )

[LadyX]

Growing up in Florida gave us the alternative to snowstorms of Northerners - hurricanes.
My first years were in Coral Gables, a residential area by Miami, and I remember well all the hurricane precautions. Fill the tub with water (to use to wash up, flush toilet, etc.), secure everything outside (garbage cans, lawn chairs, etc., tacky pink flamingos, if you had one..:)).

I enjoyed them as a little one, since I was allowed to stay up late and listen to the weather reports on the battery-operated radio (pre-TV days).
Inevitably, the power would go off, and I thought it was really cool to have a kerosene lamp and play endless board games with my sister.

I do have a story that predates me a bit. My father in his 20's was a Manager of Florida Power & Light facilities, and in 1928 had the one at Okeechobee.
My sister Anne was 3 when the very destructive 1928 hurricane was brewing.

To ensure their safety, the Lake Okeechobee area a sea level swampy territory, he placed Mom and Anne on a train to go to South Carolina to stay with her parents.

Surely enough, it was a monster in terms of lives lost - -

* Deadliest Hurricanes

Hurricane Year Category Deaths

*FL (Lake Okeechobee)1928 4 1836

*FL (Keys)/S TX 1919 4 600#

*FL (Keys)1935 5 408

*FL (Miami)1926 4 243

Those 1,836 deaths in 1928 resulted from the storm itself and diseases from the flooding and lack of potable water.
The number would have been greater had Daddy not had a great idea and acted swiftly.

In a day with few cars, much less trucks and no way to get planes in (which could not carry hefty loads anyway), he ordered through the government emergency water supplies to be brought in by trains early on, saving the day for many.

Side Note: Anne describes to me remembering that time well, staying right here in Barnwell, SC with our grandparents, my grandfather a minister here.

The parsonage was a two-storied house, and as she stood at the head of the stairs, the remnants of the storm had headed here, causing a huge oak to crash through the wall right at the foot of the stairs while she watched!
Safety indeed, but it nearly caused her early demise!

I've been through many a hurricane, including two at Parris Island, two in Virginia on the coast in Chincoteague (1955), and quite a few inland in North and South Carolina, as well as Florida.

Later years brought bizzards in Ohio and South Dakota and literal whiteouts in Alaska, as well as The Good Friday Earthquake there in March of 1964.

Someone once asked if I thought perhaps it could be that I trail disaster in my wake!

I report - you decide..:))

[HiJinx]

Maybe it's the other way around --

You're there before, during, and after disasters in order to help those in need...

[nicmarlo]

perhaps it could be that I trail disaster in my wake! . . . I report - you decide..:))

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Let me think about that one! : )

I certainly haven't caused any place I've lived in to have experienced a hurricane. : ) (I'm glad, too!) I once saw a water spout, though, while vacationing in Clearwater...that was amazing to watch....and so very close!

[LadyX]

How kind of you, Jinxie!

I was afraid I was the female version of Joe, the cartoon character of long ago, who had a little black cloud over his head..:))

[MeekOneGOP]

Mornin' ! :O)

[dixie sass]

The C-130's are beautiful. With hurricanes becoming bigger, harsher, and faster, their job becomes more important. The Air Force performs many important tasks here in Charleston, the C-17 flights in and out of Iraq, carrying everthing from goods, fighting equipment, and paratroopers to bringing home our civilians and military, but by far the Hurricane work is the most important effecting everyone and everything between the outer islands in the Carribean to much of the eastern seaboard.

Off we go into the wild blue yonder...

[MeekOneGOP]

hehe ! That's why I tried to fix that boo-boo quickly . . .

[MeekOneGOP]

I'm going to take you up on that second cup....Meekie, another hot chocolate, please! :-)

Caaaaaaaa-rrrrrrr-lllllll !! Another cup for the lady, please !!

Here ya go, ma'am !

For those who prefer hot chocolate.....

[Diver Dave]

You mean this joe?