19th OSS weather flight: forecasting the unpredictable

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Harry Brexel
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  The 19th Operations Support Squadron weather flight plays a stellar part in the mission of Little Rock Air Force Base. The team of eight Airmen is responsible for monitoring weather to protect resources and personnel, as well as providing weather support for anything flying in and out of The Rock. It is no easy task, considering that central Arkansas experiences a gamut of weather extremes. The Natural State experiences freezing rain, extreme heat, tornadic activity, snow and hail. Weather forecasts must be monitored and produced by the 19th OSS weather flight throughout the year. The team has the ability to predict nationwide forecasts. However, areas that are specifically monitored include Little Rock AFB, two drop zones and a landing zone. Though meteorological support is tailored for specific aircraft, Little Rock AFB C-130s rarely experience weather-related emergencies, because not many other Air Force planes intentionally fly through hurricanes. For their efforts, the team as a whole won 2011 Best Weather Flight in Air Mobility Command and 2010 Best Weather Flight in Air Force. Recently, a 19th OSS weather technician was even awarded 2013's AMC Weather Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.