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    SWO: Forecasts factor in mission execution

    SWO: Forecasts factor in mission execution

    Photo By Sgt. Shanika Futrell | Air Force Staff Sgt. Christopher Quimby, a battlefield weather forecaster attached to...... read more read more

    FORT BRAGG, NC, UNITED STATES

    08.23.2012

    Story by Sgt. Shanika Futrell 

    159th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs

    FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Three staff weather officers provide Task Force Wings with weather predictions during a Joint Operations Aviation Exercise Aug. 20-29.

    The SWO team monitors the weather in the task force’s tactical operations center to keep pilots and their crews updated on the latest weather forecasts and monitor any changes in conditions while they are on mission.

    “We are here to provide accurate weather forecasts and tailor them to the mission,” said Air Force Senior Airman Jacob Hale, a battlefield weather forecaster attached to Task Force Wings. “Depending upon where the pilots are going and what they are tasked to do – air assaults, paratrooper jumps, or slingloading – determines whether or not the aircraft is able to take off.”

    By certain Army regulations, pilots are unable to fly aircraft when the ceilings are too low and when the visibility is minimal.

    “The weather the SWO provides pretty much sets the tone for the mission,” said Capt. Alan Overmyer, the commander for Company A, 3rd Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment. “Whether we are going to conduct a deliberate attack or reconnaissance, weather sets the tone for the day – good weather, we fly, but when there is bad weather, we don’t fly. SWO is a critical force element for aviation, and the mission would not be as successful without them.”

    Task Force Wings’ relies on the SWO to determine what the ceiling and visibility limits are by factoring in all weather conditions.

    “We use the TMP-53, which is meteorological equipment that has a sensor to factor the wind speed, temperature, air pressure, humidity, visibility, present weather, and lightening,” said Air Force Staff Sgt. Christopher Quimby, a battlefield weather forecaster attached to Task Force Wings. “Our job is to protect the troops and their equipment from incident by using our skills, and we take pride in it.”

    The SWO team’s successful execution of weather forecasts and essential assessments on weather safety for helicopter flight directly impacts Task Force Wings’ ability to execute the mission safely.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 08.23.2012
    Date Posted: 08.24.2012 16:08
    Story ID: 93777
    Location: FORT BRAGG, NC, US

    Web Views: 110
    Downloads: 1

    PUBLIC DOMAIN