Miss Piggy Visits Long Island

[moose135]

No, not that Miss Piggy. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration brought their Lockheed WP-3 Orion hurricane hunter aircraft, named "Miss Piggy" to Republic Airport today as part of their Hurricane Awareness Tour. The aircraft was open for tours by school groups, and I was able to spend some time shooting and talking with the NOAA folks.

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One of the crew, with one of the tracking devices they drop into the storm to provide real-time data.
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They have another WP-3 named "Kermit" and a Gulfstream named "Gonzo"
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The cloudy, rainy weather sure seemed appropriate for a hurricane hunter, although being based in Florida, it was a little colder then they are accustomed to. Of course the weather also meant shoot, clean the lens, shoot, clean the lens...

More photos here: http://moose135.smugmug.com/gallery/8115453_7GpKs/1/529100041_QHto3

[moose135]

If you know me, you know I couldn't resist a few night shots...

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[PremiumMalt]

Love the night shots

[Jack'll do]

Love the night shots

:agree especially the last one. :thumb

[JChurill]

Nice set! Nice bird! She well taken care off I see!! 3rd night shot is slick. Fellow P-3 Mech here out of Moffett Field!!!!!! :thumb