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The Hurricane Research Division (HRD) is a part of the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) on Virginia Key, FL. AOML, a laboratory of the Oceanic and Atmospherc Research office, the research side of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the United States Government's Department of Commerce. We are engaged in advancing the basic physical understanding and improving the forecasts of hurricanes and tropical meteorological systems. A key aspect of HRD's activity is its annual Hurricane Field Program of which includes flights aboard NOAA's research aircraft (two WP-3D turboprops and a Gulfstream IV-SP jet) flown by NOAA's Aircraft Operations Center.

The Division began sixty years ago as the National Hurricane Research Project and has, under various names, continued to conduct scientific research into hurricanes and related tropical weather phenomena, using theoretical studies, computer models, and an annual field program employing NOAA hurricane research aircraft. This research has resulted in a deeper, scientific understanding and in numerous practical applications which have improved forecasts. HRD employs meteorolgists, computer scientists, and other professionals, who collaborate with other governmental and academic scientists worldwide in this on going effort to advanced scientific knowledge and increase public safety.

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