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The NOAA plane actually had found higher winds than the AF plane. She’s back up to Cat 2, at least.

Product: NOAA Vortex Message (URNT12 KWBC)
Transmitted: 24th day of the month at 00:30Z
Aircraft: Lockheed WP-3D Orion (Reg. Num. N42RF)
Storm Number: 09
Storm Name: Irene (flight in the North Atlantic basin)
Mission Number: 10
Storm Number & Year: 09L in 2011
Observation Number: 20
A. Time of Center Fix: 24th day of the month at 0:06Z
B. Center Fix Coordinates: 21°3’N 71°56’W (21.05N 71.9333W)
B. Center Fix Location: 59 miles (94 km) to the WSW (241°) from Cockburn Town, Turks and Caicos Islands (GBR).
C. Minimum Height at Standard Level: Not Available
D & E. Estimated (by SFMR or visually) Maximum Surface Wind: Not Available
F. Maximum Flight Level Wind Inbound: From 148° at 101kts (From the SSE at ~ 116.2mph)
G. Location of Maximum Flight Level Wind Inbound: 28 nautical miles (32 statute miles) to the ENE (57°) of center fix
H. Minimum Sea Level Pressure: 968mb (28.59 inHg) - Extrapolated
I. Maximum Flight Level Temp & Pressure Altitude Outside Eye: 14°C (57°F) at a pressure alt. of 2,448m (8,031ft)
J. Maximum Flight Level Temp & Pressure Altitude Inside Eye: 20°C (68°F) at a pressure alt. of 2,438m (7,999ft)
K. Dewpoint Temp (collected at same location as temp inside eye): 14°C (57°F)
K. Sea Surface Temp (collected at same location as temp inside eye): Not Available
L. Eye Character: Open in the southwest
M. Eye Shape & Diameter: Circular with a diameter of 20 nautical miles (23 statute miles)
N. Fix Determined By: Penetration, Radar, Wind, Pressure and Temperature
N. Fix Level: Other - Not surface, 1500ft, 925mb (if vortex is newer than about mid 90’s; see note for more), 850mb, 700mb, 500mb, 400mb, 300mb or 200mb
O. Navigation Fix Accuracy: 1 nautical mile
O. Meteorological Accuracy: 1 nautical mile
Remarks Section:
Maximum Flight Level Wind: 101kts (~ 116.2mph) in the northwest quadrant at 0:01Z
Sea Level Pressure Extrapolation From: 750mb