But the US does 6 hour recons into storms.... and those distances are not that much shorter. And besides if the JTWC could set up bases in Japan, the Phillipines, Guam, and some of those other little islands, the distances could be reduced and the cost divided. You'd think America or Japan would put up the money, given how often Japan and Guam are hit. It is very unfortunate that they don't though, since some of these Pacific basin storms are so strong and well formed studying them would benefit knowledge of the workings of hurricanes so much. Having a Camille strength storm sitting in the ocean like an everyday tropical wave to them.