Moving with the Air Force’s Smart Ops 21 initiative, the 20th Operational Weather Squadron from Yokota Air Base, Japan, merged into the 17th Operational Weather Squadron at Hickam.

To cover its vast, new 95-million square mile area of responsibility, the 17th OWS assembled into one center, improved forecast capabilities, trained Airmen and exploited new technology.

“In the Pacific we have streamlined our operations,” said Lt. Col. Stephen Romolo, 17th OWS commander.

“We have consolidated two operational weather squadrons into one. By doing that we have centralized weather support into the warfighting headquarters,” he said.

The Air Force weather mission reengineered in the late '90s, and reorganized and consolidated their resources into eight regional hubs worldwide. This was done to increase efficiency, better use manpower and reduce their "footprint" at local installations and in combat zones. Now, the Air Force has seven operational weather squadrons.

“We have some incredibly professional Airmen and they made it happen,” said Maj. Christopher Finta, 17th OWS director of operations.

“Weather has been on the forefront of utilizing the Internet. Customers use our web page, we use chat software to increase back and forth collaboration with our combat weather team forecasters who are directly supporting our war fighters in the front," Colonel Romolo said. "Technology plays a big part when dealing with reach back capabilities.”

By consolidating the squadrons and streamlining their operation, the 17th OWS has been able to increase its level of support to Pacific Air Forces.

“We have improved the way we do business here in the Pacific,” the colonel said.