386th AEW forecasters critical to mission success

Photo By Staff Sgt. Laura Fitzmorris | Staff Sgt. Ashley Barnett, a weather forecaster for the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, collects data from a TMQ-53 weather sensor to observe conditions and update forecasts at an undisclosed air base here Oct. 28, 2010. The 386th AEW forecasters work behind the scenes to provide Air Force and Army personnel with accurate, up-to-date forecasts so flying missions can continue in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

11.01.2010

Story by Staff Sgt. Stefanie Torres 

386th Air Expeditionary Wing

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- In Greek mythology, weather was said to be controlled by Zeus, the king of gods who rained thunderstorms and lightning bolts on the Earth when angered by his subjects.

Today, weather is far more predictable thanks to the science of meteorology and weather forecasters here at the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing. They work behind the scenes to provide Air Force and Army personnel with the most accurate, up-to-date forecasts so flying missions can continue in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

Weather plays a critical role in Southwest Asia, where dust storms and extreme heat can negatively impact operations, including the wing's main mission of providing airlift support throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, said Staff Sgt. Raymond Polasky, one of four forecasters assigned to the 386th Operations Support Squadron.

"We support multiple missions for all Air Force and Army personnel here," Polasky explained. "We brief pilots on flying conditions here, while they are en route and at their destinations. We have to know about where they're going and what it's going to be like when they get there."

The team also works with bioenvironmental engineers from the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group to communicate wet-bulb temperature readings and wind conditions to airmen across the base, especially during summer months when temperatures may top 140 degrees Fahrenheit and high winds can become dangerous.

"Our job is to issue weather watches, warnings and advisories so everyone can plan accordingly," Polasky said. "This becomes especially important for those who have to work out in the elements, like security forces, maintainers or civil engineers."

Forecasters from the 386th OSS are often teased about controlling the weather, but their techniques have more to do with modern instruments than angry gods, he said.

Multiple computer monitors line the weather desk at the 386th OSS, displaying a constant stream of satellite imagery, weather charts, temperature readings and moving wind fronts. The various amounts of data allow forecasters to predict atmospheric changes in excess of 25,000 feet, explained Staff Sgt. Ashley Barnett, a 386th OSS weather technician. Getting an accurate reading requires a lot of experience-based knowledge, especially at desert locations where thunderstorms and dust levels can be difficult to forecast.

"Weather is just hard to predict in the desert," Barnett said. "There is this weird phenomenon that happens in this environment, and it's completely different than what we see at home station. Predicting weather is not an exact science, and there is a lot to learn in the first few days after getting here."

Polasky said dust readings pose the most significant challenge because satellite images don't always provide an accurate depiction of dust levels. However, technicians here often rely on lessons learned from being deployed to help them along the way.

"For someone who has never forecasted for the desert, there's definitely a quick learning curve," he said. "But we have high standards for ourselves and have learned to do pretty well."

Barnett agreed, noting that the weather team's high level of accuracy has allowed it to build a strong working relationship with aircrews, leading to greater camaraderie across the wing.

"Briefing the aircrew about weather conditions gives me the most job satisfaction," she said. "They know they can trust us, and I think that's the best part of what we do here."

• Date Taken: 11.01.2010
• Date Posted: 11.01.2010 10:12
• Story ID: 59226
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)