The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration hurricane hunters have had a busy week. 

  • Hurricane hunters set up shop at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport
  • Aircraft Operations Center had been at MacDill since 1993
  • NOAA signed 10-year, $12.7 million-lease with Lakeland

But not because of Tropical Storm Emily. 

The hunters did not have to fly into Emily because the quick developing storm was so close to the coast, other sources could provide the same storm information. 

But the hurricane hunters were still on the move - completing their relocating from their home at MacDill Air Force Base to Lakeland Linder Regional Airport Monday. 

The hunters'  Aircraft Operations Center had been at MacDill since 1993. 

NOAA uses two Lockheed WP-3D Orions and a Gulfstream IV-SP for most of its weather-related missions; however NOAA also uses light aircraft for some of its research.

Lakeland city officials said when NOAA came to them after receiving word that their current lease at MacDill wouldn't be renewed, it was important to them to do everything they could to make this partnership happen. 

After eight weeks of transfering their facility to Lakeland - all while gearing up for hurricane season - NOAA officials say they are now settled into its new home at Lakeland Linder. 

"Lakeland has been fantastic," said Michael Silah, the Commanding Officer NOAA Aircraft Operations Center. "The community has been great, the people here have really embraced us, I really don't think we could have done this anywhere else." 

Silah said it is important to keep the hurricane hunters program in a location that is close to their busiest area of the country - where storms typically form. Silah said even though moving came at a busy time, everything went smooth and the hangar is ready to house NOAA's nine aircraft. 

 "We broke ground November 30th and moved in June 2nd so all of the building has been constructed in about five months," he said. "If it wasn't for the partnerships in Lakeland that wouldn't have been possible."

NOAA signed a $12.7 million lease for the next 10 years with the city of Lakeland. 

The move also included about 110 employees, who will now be based out of Lakeland.