The United States Consulate, Curacao, is pleased to support the upcoming visit of the U.S. Air Force Weather Reconnaissance C-130 "Hurricane Hunter" aircraft to Hato airport. This famous aircraft and its courageous crew routinely fly directly into violent storms carrying sophisticated equipment to measure their intensity. Data collected is used to ultimately predict the storm’s direction so that timely preparations can be made on the ground.
A delegation of experts from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami headed by director Bill Read and representatives from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will be on hand to answer questions about their work and raise public awareness about hurricanes and disaster preparedness. Prime Minister Gerrit Schotte, who requested the visit of the "Hurricane Hunter" to Curacao, will also be on-hand to personally greet the delegation upon its arrival. Hundreds of local school children throughout Curacao have been invited to visit the aircraft and crew.
The general public of Curacao is also invited to take advantage of this great opportunity to visit this special airplane. The event will occur on the Dutch Coast Guard ramp of Hato’s airport on March 24th, 2011. The ramp will open for school children at 10:15 AM until 12:00 PM and then to the general public from 12:30 PM until 4:00 PM. Shuttles will be available to transport visitors from parking at the Hato Caves and Free Zone to the event. Visitors are reminded to leave behind all bags or backpacks as they will not be allowed.