Aircraft and people assigned to the Air Force Reserve's 403rd Wing began returning here Sept. 3 from forward operating locations where aircrews continued their missions of airlift and hurricane reconnaissance.

While deployed, the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, known as the Hurricane Hunters, flew missions around the clock into Hurricane Gustav following the storm from its early beginnings up until it made landfall along the northern Gulf Coast. The squadron started flying missions into Tropical Storm Hanna Sept. 3 and are on alert for missions into Hurricane Ike, even as the unit reconvenes at Keesler.

Airmen from the 815th Airlift Squadron, known as the Flying Jennies, continued to support airlift missions and stood ready to support hurricane relief efforts if needed.

Most of the 10 WC-130J and eight C-130J-30 aircraft flown by the wing deployed Aug. 22 ahead of Tropical Storm Fay with the last flight out leaving Aug. 30. Airmen providing support and maintenance also deployed with the aircraft. Other personnel assigned to the unit were given an evacuation order Aug. 31 and began returning to work Sept. 2.

Currently, there are several areas in the Atlantic basin, including Hurricane Ike and Tropical Storm Josephine that forecasters at the National Hurricane Center are watching. 

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