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Show TIMES November 2, 2006 Wingman Day Continued from 1 Hill combat weather Airmen ensure safe travel during deployment BY STAFF SGT. ALICE MOORE 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs BALM) AIR BASE. Iraq (AFPN)- When Staff Sgt. James Brown steps out for Ihc first time during his clay here, he scans the sky. He already knows what type of day he'll have at work before he steps into his office because weather is his business. The combat weather forecasters assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron monitor local weather conditions 24/7 to ensure safe flight conditions for the aircraft flying in and out of Balad AB. "Weather support here is provided by a team of forward-deployed and rear-echelon weather support agencies," said Master Sgt. Michael Dannelly, combat weather flight NCO in charge, deployed from Hill Air Force Base," Utah. 'The 332nd EOSS combat weather team, or weather flight, is the lead weather unit here. We collect local observations, provide flight weather briefings and disseminate weather watches, warnings and advisories," Sergeant Dannelly said. The combat weather team accomplishes its missions using several electronic tools including visual satellite loops and infrared enhancements that detect incoming dust storms and clouds, and radar displays that detect inclement weather such as thunderstorms. The flight also uses a tool called a meteogram, a computer-based program that allows the forecasters to view a forecasted slice of the atmosphere. However, their resources don't end with electronics, according to Sergeant Brown, also de- U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alice Moore Balad combat weather flight ensures safe travel Staff Sgt. James Brown looks at a map for guidance Oct. 16 at Balad Air Base, Iraq. Sergeant Brown is a combat weather forecaster assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron and is deployed from Hill Air Force Base, Utah. ployed from Hill AFB. "We also rely on our observation point to collect basic information such as hourly winds, visibility, temperature and cloud heights," he said. "We use (distance) markers to help measure distances." The distances are used to inform pilots of the visual range of the runway as they approach for landing. The flight has four forecasters on each shift readily available to provide continuous weather up- dates to a wide variety of Army, Air Force and Department of Defense civilians here. The flight provides approximately 100 flight weather briefs a day. Sergeant Dannelly said. He also said one of the toughest challenges of being in a deployed environment comes with bad weather. "It's not as challenging on nice weather days, but when everybody and their brother starts calling during bad weather, it gets pretty hectic," he said. "Our biggest challenge is definitely the dust and the sand. It's very difficult to predict the intensity and dispersal of the dust storms here." Although the shop has its challenges, being deployed also comes with its rewards. "You can definitely see we have a huge mission impact here. It's good because you're able to see it (bad weather) play out and know you had a hand in keeping people safe," Sergeant Brown said. lip balm, handwarmers, batteries and phone cards are some of the most popular items troops have requested for care packages. Items being accepted for the local charitable organizations include hygiene products, children's clothing and books, over the counter medications and diapers, stocking stuffers for children, canned goods and dry foods, and winter clothing for adults and children. "This time of year, it seems that people are interested in helping others," said Co\. Penny Bailey, 84th CSW deputy director. "This is the perfect opportunity for them. It is a really convenient way to help someone in need." Colonel Bailey said the donations and volunteering will not only help those in m:ec\, but also those who are giving. "When you help out somebody else, it not only helps that person, it helps you," Colonel Bailey said. "It helps you emotionally, mentally and physically. This expo covers all aspects of the wingman concept. This is something that will benefit everyone." Everyone is welcome to attend the fair at their convenience, but to avoid any major congestion, it is recommended each wing attend during the following times: 9-10 a.m. -508th Aircraft Sustainment Wing and 526th 1CBM Systems Wing 10-11 a.m.-388th Fighter Wing and 419th Fighter Wing 11-11:30 a.m.-Open 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 309th Maintenance Wing 12:30-3:30 p.m.-84th Combat Sustainment Wing 1:30-2:30 p.m.-75th AiiBase Wing and Ogden Air Logistics Center Space Available, There is room in the Air National Guard for men and women with active duty experience. If you're looking to serve your community and country from your hometown, then we have space available for you. BUARDIND AMERICA, •DEFENDING FREEDOM AIR NATIONAL GUARD I For information call |