Credentialed reporters and broadcast meteorologists are invited on Tuesday, May 6, to view NOAA’s Hurricane Hunter aircraft and uncrewed systems, conduct interviews and collect footage for special pre-season hurricane coverage or use throughout the season. Members of the media will have the opportunity to gather content related to current and emerging technologies, and from scientists and aviators.

NOAA’s Aircraft Operations Center is on the cutting edge of hurricane research, as it’s the place from which the famous NOAA Hurricane Hunters fly into severe storms. Scientists, meteorologists, aviators, uncrewed systems operators and maintainers work in concert with NOAA’s National Weather Service and Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory to collect and analyze data that ensures the nation’s safety and security. NOAA operates a wide range of specialized aircraft that collect data vital to protecting lives and understanding the Earth. NOAA’s fleet of 10 crewed aircraft is operated, managed and maintained by NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations. 

Located on Lakeland Linder International Airport in Lakeland, Florida, the Aircraft Operations Center provides capable, mission-ready aircraft and professional crews to the scientific community. The center is committed to the safe, efficient and economical use of NOAA aircraft and has more than four decades of experience developing, coordinating and successfully and safely conducting airborne environmental data gathering missions.

WHAT

Media opportunity to see NOAA’s Hurricane Hunter aircraft and uncrewed systems, and to interview pilots, crew and specialists about hurricane hunting, research and emerging technologies

WHEN

May 6, 2025, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. EDT

WHERE

NOAA Aircraft Operations Center
Lakeland Linder International Airport
3450 Flightline Drive, Lakeland, FL 33811

HOW

This is an in-person event. Members of the media must register to attend by contacting Douglas E. Jessmer at douglas.jessmer@noaa.gov by Tuesday, April 29.

Climate, weather and water affect all life on our ocean planet. NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict our changing environment, from the deep sea to outer space, and to manage and conserve America’s coastal and marine resources.