VXS-1 Squadron Takes Flight to Monitor Hurricane Helene—A Race Against Time!

The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory's Scientific Development Squadron ONE, famously known as VXS-1, is on a critical mission to track the potential tropical cyclone Hurricane Helene. On Tuesday, September 24, the squadron took to the skies to deploy a fleet of advanced observational buoys aimed at delivering real-time data and forecasts to the National Oceanographic Partnership Program's Hurricane Coastal Impacts (NHCI) team. This timely information is crucial for enhancing operational readiness as the hurricane approaches.

"Hurricane Helene marks the second Gulf hurricane we've flown for in just two weeks, and we have dropped more buoys than ever during an NHCI mission," remarked Cmdr. Aaron Roberts, the commanding officer of VXS-1. He also expressed pride in his team's adaptability to the unpredictable nature of this hurricane season.

During an impressive 7.8-hour flight, the squadron deployed a total of 29 buoys along the Gulf of Mexico's Florida and Alabama coasts. The chosen technology for this mission included varied data-gathering instruments: four submersibles, six spotters, three Directional Wave Spectra Drifters, and three Surface Wave Instrument Floats with Tracking capabilities.

The NHCI team, which includes scientists from the Marine Meteorology Division, engineered this array of air-deployed drifting buoys and submersibel instruments. They relied on NRL’s Coupled Ocean/Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System for Tropical Cyclones (COAMPS-TC), known for its unparalleled accuracy in predicting hurricane paths and intensities.

In fact, COAMPS-TC was celebrated as the world's most effective model for predicting hurricane strengths during the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season, according to Dr. Jeff Masters from Yale. This advanced model’s precision could make a significant difference in understanding the imminent threats posed by storms like Helene.

As the buoys begin collecting data, they will record vital metrics, including wave height and direction, allowing scientists to analyze how these characteristics shift as Hurricane Helene approaches. The submersibles will also measure water depth to assess how much storm surge Helene might generate.

"Understanding the intricate interaction between hurricanes and the ocean is essential for accurately predicting the impacts on coastal regions," commented Dr. Jonathan Moskaitis, the Acting Head of Mesoscale Modeling. He explained that the data collected during such extreme storm conditions is invaluable; it aids in adjusting hurricane prediction models to account for the effects of surface drag.

The VXS-1 squadron, aptly nicknamed the "Warlocks," stands on alert from June through November during hurricane season to deploy environmental observation buoys in advance of storms. The swift response on Tuesday morning exemplified their commitment to understanding and mitigating the dangers posed by Mother Nature.

The crew on board included a dedicated team: Cmdr. Aaron Roberts, Lt. John Leyba, Chief Petty Officer Fred Lewis, First Class Petty Officer Cassandra Gapinski, First Class Petty Officer Gavin Naughton, Lt. Ben Cumberland, Lt. Sean Carpenter, and Project Specialists Jacob Davis and Eric Stackpole.

As hurricane season unfolds, the data gathered from VXS-1's mission could prove vital for not only forecasting but also for protecting lives and property along vulnerable coastlines. Stay tuned as these "Warlocks" continue their courageous work to monitor Mother Nature's fury!