ABOUT 20 members of the Air Force Reserve and a team from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association Administration’s Hurricane Centre visited the TCI in a unique aircraft last week.
The Air Force Reserve Commands WC 130 J Hurricane Hunter aircraft is visiting islands and countries in the region as part of the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association and the US Air Force Caribbean Awareness tour called CHAT.
During the CHAT tour, crew members offer the public an opportunity to learn how scientists collect hurricane information and help communities become better prepared for the season.
During the visit the crew gave media houses and government delegates a tour of the aircraft.
Governor John Freeman, Deputy Governor Anya Malcolm, the Minister of Home Affairs Delroy Williams joined for a full tour of the aircraft and were given clarification on the team’s mission.
The group consisted of two pilots, a navigator, an aerial reconnaissance weather officer and a weather loadmaster.
Dr Rick Knabb, director of the National Hurricane Centre in Miami, explained that initiatives such as this one are important because it gives them the opportunity to educate people on the importance of early preparedness.
He said: “We don’t know how busy the hurricane season will be. We just know that you are vulnerable here and you want to get ready today while the weather is good, before the next hurricane strikes.
“Hopefully it’s not this year, but you want to be ready in advance… I encourage everyone to do at least one thing to get yourself ready in advance for the next hurricane.”
Lieutenant Colonel Brian May, commander of the 403rd Operations Group encouraged the public to be mindfulness warnings and get prepared.
He added that he was grateful to be able to fly into the TCI to share knowledge on hurricane preparation.
