Behind the Roar

  Here lately, it seems that large engines can be heard constantly running over at the air base across the Bay.  Keesler Air Force Base is the home of the incredible "Hurricane Hunters" and the engines I hear are the planes being readied for the upcoming hurricane season.  Yes, that does not start for a while yet but the crews are never idle.  They are always honing their skills in protecting us.  By day, I watch the planes as they takeoff, fly overhead and then come back to land.  They fly low so I get a good view of the underside of the planes.  If I happen to be on the pier, they will fly directly above me so taking photographs is easy.  By night, I listen to the loud roar of the engines and marvel at the power that can make the windows rattle a bit.  For a while, this noise will be a near round-the-clock. 

  Several years ago, I had a visitor at the Little Bayou House and was asked how I could tolerate the planes.  This was a young cousin from out of state and he had no idea just how important the planes and their crews are to us here on coastal regions.  Once I sat down with him and showed him the history behind the unit, he no longer seemed to be bothered but more intrigued by the roar.  I told him how the crew not only flies into the midst of even the strongest hurricanes to collect data but, also, do the same with winter storms.  He and I talked for some time about the bravery and intelligence it takes to do such a job and how lost we would be without them.  He turned to me and said "Boy, I was stupid to complain about the engine noise!  Now that I know how many lives they probably save, those planes can roar all they want!"  I simply agreed with him.

  Although hurricane season does not start until June 1st, there have been storms develop far earlier so I am pleased to hear the roar of engines and rattling of windows.  Those heavy planes carry some mighty important people and we should all be appreciative of their efforts.  To the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, Thank you!  Just know you are fully appreciated by the folks sitting on their piers across the Bay watching your flights!  Keep up the great work!