Ashley Feaster is the chief meteorologist at Gulfport, Miss. FOX and NBC affiliate WXXV. She’s also a Captain in the Air National Guard.
Last year she traded her broadcasting duties for training to become a hurricane hunter.
“Ever since I was a little girl, I have wanted to be a Hurricane Hunter,” she said. “I applied when there was an opening, and got the transfer order to Keesler last April.”
The Air Force Reserve’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, known as the “Hurricane Hunters” is based at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Miss.
The Sun Herald reports WXXV news director Joe Sullivan thinks what Feaster learned this past year makes her a better forecaster.
“My year of training has helped me learn everything I possibly could about my job,” she said.
Joe Sullivan, WXXV news director, said the experience Feaster brings to the newsroom is invaluable.
“With her knowledge of hurricanes, the entire Gulf Coast should feel incredibly safe having her here,” he said. “She is unmatched in knowledge and passion for her field of expertise.”
Feaster said it feels good to be back in the newsroom, which has been another dream of hers.
“I’ve always only wanted to do two jobs,” she said. “To be able to do both at the same time is surreal.”