Video: Former Meteorologist Living Dream As Storm Hunter

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Biloxi, Miss. (WCBI) — Former WCBI meteorologist Will Simmons is now living his dream as a Hurricane Hunter.

Now a First Lieutenant in the Air Force, Simmons is stationed at Keesler Base in Biloxi.

Simmons studied meteorology at Mississippi State University, and gave credit to his father for teaching him how to fly in junior high school.

The 2015 hurricane season was Simmons’ first as a Hurricane Hunter, and his first flight was through Hurricane Joaquin, which was a Category Four storm.

Simmons notched 11 “penetrations” this past season, meaning he successfully flew through the roughest part of the storm, the eye and eye wall.

“The mission is really important to me…”, Simmons said, “…it’s one of the main reasons I joined the Air Force to become a pilot. The data that we collect, it really helps improve the forecast.”

Simmons also said it means a lot to him to not only save the U.S. government a lot of money with the information they send out, but also the fact that the data can save lives.

“I loved my experience…as a meteorologist for the TV station, but getting back into the air, flying airplanes, and combining my love of flying and meteorology, it sounded like a dream job…”, said Simmons.

Simmons also said he hopes to still be in the cockpit 5 to 10 years from now, saying, “…I love what I’m doing…”

Monday marked the last official day of the 2015 hurricane season, and Simmons said he is looking forward to next year.

Although the season is over, the Hurricane Hunters train year round to prepare for the next year.