Forecasters save millions in resources via storm updates Published Dec. 12, 2007 By 2nd Lt. Dan Muggelberg 26th Operational Weather Squadron BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFPN) -- Heavy rains this year rescued three states suffering from 54 years of drought, while prompting military resources in the region to guard against flooding in the process. Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas, mired in a decades-long drought, saw major storms throughout much of the year provide much needed precipitation. Tracking them was a challenge for 26th Operational Weather Squadron managers who, via detailed weather updates, ensured servicemembers and associated resources were prepared ahead of time for 50 to 70 inches of accumulated rain in some areas. Better known as the plain states by forecasters, the three were hit by 10 heavy rain storms during the year. "We provided weather watches, warnings, and advisories for 23 installations in the region home to more than $25-billion in resources," said Staff Sgt. Brian Smith, one of the managers who worked here tracking the storms. As the region experienced excessive rain in very short time periods, the unit was busy informing others of potential weather activity in their areas. Sergeant Smith said the squadron issued as many as 500 weather watches, warnings and advisories from May to July in the region. They were specific updates that military installations such as Lackland, Dyess, Tinker, Altus and Sheppard Air Force Bases, plus Army posts Fort Sill and Fort Hood relied on. "Rio Grand City, in deep south Texas, was receiving line after line of severe thunderstorms in the area for nearly a week straight," said Sergeant Smith. "In one case, we verified a severe thunderstorm warning, allowing base personnel three hours to prepare for a storm that dropped nickel-sized hail and had winds gusting to 52 knots." The detailed forecasts helped local authorities prevent major issues by blocking off roadways prone to flooding, advising residents of hazards and ensuring key staff were on standby. Along with resource protection support, the 26th OWS provided search and rescue pilots detailed forecasts for quick-turn mission planning. "The briefings were critical to the pilots and rescue personnel working to save the lives of those threatened by the rising waters," said Senior Airman Robert Schlichtenmeyer, journeyman weather forecaster. "Plus, we increased our rate of watches, warnings and advisories provided to commanders and mission planners to give them more timely warnings of heavy rainfall in the local area." According to Airman 1st Class Alberto Romero, journeyman weather forecaster, communication between the operational and tactical level is critical in providing the best product to our customers. In addition to ensuring it all comes together, forecasters rely on eight months of weather basic training at Keesler AFB, Miss. "The training we get is utilized every day, whether it's in forecasting significant weather or not. The most important tool we use though is the knowledge of fellow forecasters who have much more experience," said Airman Romero. On a daily basis the 26th OWS provides warfighting commanders environmental situational awareness and advance warning in order to protect national assets; additionally, they train the next generation of Air Force Weather forecasters to ensure tomorrow's mission is accomplished. The unit produces more than 5,000 weather-related products per month; 1,500-plus weather hazard charts, almost 2,000 airfield forecasts, an average of 800 warnings, watches and advisories, and nearly 900 flight weather briefings. Lt. Col. Ronald Comoglio, 26th OWS commander, leads the squadron of 189 personnel in accomplishing the daily mission. Colonel Comoglio is also leading his team in an AOR expansion from seven states to 13 states by June 2008. "We challenge each individual from day one to embrace forecasting, to achieve proficiency as soon as they can and to regard every product as their own work of art--as something they would be proud to sign their name to," said Colonel Comoglio. "If every individual brings their 'A'-game to every shift, the entire team stays vigilant and shines." "Air Force Weather is an exciting career field," he said. "We can take lessons learned from these extreme weather occurrences and apply them to future events. When we see similar atmospheric patterns over Oklahoma and Texas, we know the chances are great for a recurrence. Making notes and forecasting rules of thumb about these events can better prepare our Air Force to more successfully plan and operate in the air, ground and space." Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page