NOAA’s Aerial Pioneers: The Fleet That Flies Into the Eye of the Storm

Hey there, sky watchers and science buffs! Let’s dive into the high-flying world of NOAA’s Aircraft Operations Center (AOC), where bravery meets science in the vast blue yonder. 🌤️✈️

• Home Base: The AOC, nestled at Lakeland Linder International Airport in sunny Lakeland, Florida, is the proud home of NOAA’s fleet of specialized aircraft. This hub of aerial innovation was previously stationed at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, until its move in June 2017.
• Daring Missions: NOAA’s aircraft are no strangers to adventure. They soar over open oceans, glide past mountain peaks, skim coastal wetlands, brave Arctic pack ice, and even dance with hurricanes. These missions are critical for collecting environmental and geographic data that fuel NOAA’s hurricane research and other atmospheric studies.
• The Hurricane Hunters: Among the stars of the AOC are the Lockheed WP-3D Orion aircraft, famously known as the “Hurricane Hunters.” These fearless flyers plunge into the heart of storms, gathering data that’s vital for understanding and predicting hurricanes.
• Diverse Fleet: The AOC’s fleet is a mix of versatility and precision. From the Beechcraft Super King Air 350CER to the De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, each aircraft plays a unique role in supporting NOAA’s mission. Whether it’s fishery research, marine mammal assessments, or aiding emergency response teams during natural disasters, these aircraft are on the front lines of environmental exploration.

So there you have it, folks — a peek into the exciting world of NOAA’s AOC. These aircraft and their dedicated crews are the unsung heroes who help keep our planet safe and studied. Next time you look up at the sky, give a nod to the brave souls who fly into the eye of the storm. 🛩️🌀