U.S. Air Force Col. Michael J. Jewell, 501st Combat Support Wing commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Melissa M. Robbins, 501st CSW command chief, send holiday greetings to the Pathfinder community at RAF Fairford, England, Dec. 12, 2025. The message thanks Airmen, civilians, and families for their dedication throughout the year and wishes the community a safe and happy holiday season. (U.S. Air Force video by Tech. Sgt. Jessica Avallone)
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Michael Barbato, 420th Air Base Squadron logistics readiness flight chief, speaks with Senior Airman Carlos Vargas, 420th ABS ground transportation operator, during Project MACE at RAF Fairford, England, Dec. 2, 2025. The collaboration improves shared understanding of joint passenger and cargo movement processes between the 501st Combat Support Wing and RAF Brize Norton. (U.S. Air Force photo by TSgt Jessica Avallone)
The 420th Air Base Squadron (ABS) Weather Flight is increasing its capability to grow into its role as a Pathfinder unit for the 501st Combat Support Wing. The team is strengthening forecasting coverage, acquiring equipment and building a strong network with United States and United Kingdom weather partners.
A key part of that progress was the recent arrival of the Tactical Meteorological Observing System (TMOS) on Sept. 12, 2025. This was a result of an impromptu success story developed at RAF Fairford’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2025. Forecasting for RIAT is led by a UK Met Office (UKMO) team embedded with forecasters from the 420 ABS. Unfortunately, the 420 ABS lost communication with their primary observing...
