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Pumpkin pies with Autumn leaves and acorns were on the menu for a Pilbara Thanksgiving dinner organised by American Air Force personnel - ABC

They may be far from home, but a group of Americans have gathered in Western Australia's Pilbara region to celebrate Thanksgiving.

About a dozen members of the United States Air Force Weather Agency are stationed at the Learmonth Solar Observatory, near Exmouth.

The team works alongside Australian staff from the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) to monitor and analyse our skies from sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year.

US Major James Hughes is from northern Illinois, where it started snowing this week.

He said the sweltering Pilbara weather had not put him off having a turkey dinner.

"It's ingrained in you. Most Americans grow up with turkey at Thanksgiving," Maj Hughes said.

"A couple of weeks ago I had to stop in at the wholesaler and place an order.

"They're used to the American presence here, so it was no problem.

"I picked it up on Monday and put it in the fridge to thaw, so it'll be ready to bake this afternoon."

Time to get the family together

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the team has invited their Australian colleagues from BoM, the Pilbara Regiment and the Australian Air Force to join them for turkey with all the trimmings.

"Thanksgiving is a time for extended family to get together," Maj Hughes said.

"It really kicks off the holiday season because after this, Christmas is on the way shortly."

Detachment Chief Michelle Moses arrived in Exmouth in March, the day before Cyclone Olwyn tore through the north-west town.

However, she said the storm had not dampened her spirits for the posting.

"I absolutely love it," she said.

"I was supposed to be here 15 months, but within a month they asked if I wanted to stay another 15 and I said, 'Sure, sign me up!'

"Being in the military we move around quite bit, so I've done Thanksgiving in Germany for the past three years."

Detachment Chief Moses said she would be giving thanks this year for a number of happy developments in her family, including the marriage of her son.

"My son got married yesterday, so I missed out on that one, but we'll have a big party when I get back," she said.

"I'll be giving thanks for an up and coming grandson and just that our family is still together, that's what I'll give thanks for."

Originally from Georgia, Detachment Chief Moses said her tip for a great pumpkin pie was to add a little nutmeg and cloves to the mix.

ABC