Incirlik's weather data enhances local mission Published Feb. 4, 2008 By Senior Airman Lauren Padden 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- The success of any mission hinges on a variety of elements, but one of the more obvious essentials is in fact so apparent that many might take it for granted: the weather. Incirlik's 39th Operations Squadron Weather flight is very aware of the effect the local climate may have on mission readiness and accomplishment and tracks even its most minute changes 'round the clock. "For example, without up-to-date weather data provided by the weather flight, aircrews could be surprised by turbulence that can interrupt air refueling operations, and all aircraft flying in those weather conditions could be damaged," said Capt. John Hurley, 39 OS Weather Flight commander. Gathering weather data is not only crucial for current missions and operations, but also for future planning. "Our job is to forecast mission-impacting weather events far enough in advance so that mission planners and commanders can decide on an alternate course of action," said Captain Hurley. The weather flight is also responsible for providing information to air traffic control and aircrew personnel and commanders as well as providing warnings and advisories to the base to make sure certain resources are protected. "We have a broad spectrum of customers at Incirlik, from the wing commander to the life guard on duty at the base pool," said Staff Sgt. Michael Sallustio, 39 OS weather technician. To get the word out to these customers, the weather flight uses state of the art computer systems, to include the Fixed Meteorological Equipment also known as the "FMQ-19." The function of the FMQ-19 is to detect wind speed and direction, as well as surface visibility, clouds, temperature, dew point and pressure within five nautical miles and lightning within 30 nautical miles. The FMQ-19 is a completely automated system which samples the weather and updates conditions around the clock. "Prior to the FMQ-19, we would go outside with a compass and handheld sensors to record the weather, then manually transmit the data to the 21st Operational Weather Squadron, Sembach Air Base Germany," said Sergeant Sallustio. "But now, by using the FMQ-19, observations are made five times faster then if performed manually by an Airman and information is transmitted automatically to a world-wide database rather than an Airman transmitting the data by hand." "The FMQ-19 significantly reduces technician workload allowing them to focus their attention on the war fighters' weather needs," said Capt Hurley. "We can concentrate on what's going to impact the mission today. If turbulence is going to be a problem, we can move the mission to another area or potentially move the mission to another day all together." Some may be surprised to find that turbulence and other forms of inclement weather do not always negatively affect the mission. "Some inclement weather, such as reduced visibility or fog and cloudy skies, can help mask covert operations and give the advantage of concealment," said Sergeant Sallustio. "As weather technicians, our job is to help commanders exploit these weather conditions by giving them the best possible view of the battlefield." Providing current and accurate weather information to the Airmen downrange and their commanders further reinforces the importance of the weather flight. "To be able to see weather unfold in front of you and make critical decisions that impact all operational aspects of the installation is an awesome feeling," said Sergeant Sallustio. The weather flight recently garnered an "Outstanding" rating during their 2007 Air Force Weather Standardization and Evaluation Program inspection. "My enlisted troops were the catalyst in getting the outstanding rating," said Captain Hurley. "These Airmen delved into the checklist items before the inspections and the result speaks to their preparation and 'can-do' attitude."