United States - October 09, 2024

In a daring display of aerial prowess against the forces of nature, Colonel Elissa Granderson, Commander of the 403rd Operations Group, piloted a mission into the heart of Hurricane Milton on October 9, 2024. This venture wasn't just another flight in her storied career; it was a critical operation to gather crucial weather data for the National Hurricane Center, aiding in forecasts that could save lives and property.

Colonel Granderson, at the helm of one of the Air Force Reserve's C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, led the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, also known as the Hurricane Hunters. This squadron stands as the only unit of its kind in the Department of Defense, dedicated to flying into the most severe weather conditions to collect data no satellite can provide.

The mission into Hurricane Milton was fraught with challenges, the likes of which only seasoned pilots like Granderson would dare to face. Turbulent skies, severe winds, and unpredictable storm movements were all part of the equation as the aircraft pierced through the storm's outer bands to reach its calm, yet deceptive, eye.

Under Granderson's command, the 403rd Wing has seen its operational readiness soar. This unit, based at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi, oversees a fleet of 20 C-130J Super Hercules aircraft and supports various squadrons, including tactical airlift and aeromedical evacuation, showcasing the wing's versatility in both peace and wartime scenarios.