CHAPTER 9: CHRONOLOGY 2007-2012
2007
9-10 JanThe NEXRAD Radar Operations Center (OL-K, AFWA) participated in a Department of Homeland Security JASON Study Group meeting. The JASON was an independent scientific advisory group that provided consulting services to the U.S. Government on matters of defense science and technology. The key questions the group asked were how the radar community was planning to mitigate wind farm impacts on radars, what the fixes were, and how the fixes would be tested. The study results were published in Jan 2008 and contained five recommendations for the Government to consider.[1]
FebAFWA completed distribution of 40 additional AN/TMQ-53, Tactical Meteorological Observing Systems (TMOS).
FebThe budget for the FY07 AF Weather program was estimated to be $223,521,000. This was a $43 million increase from the FY00 actual value of $179,935,000. [Note: Refer to June 2001 entry.] Most of the increase was to cover costs of implementing NPOESS capability into AFWA’s production environment.
11 FebAFWA/A8TP developed the Dust Transport Algorithm (DTA) in conjunction with Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory to determine dust transport and concentration.Dust events in Iraq and Saudi Arabia allowed AFWA to test DTA-visibility products directly with an A8TP deployed resource, SMSgt Love. He sent observations, personal notes on the event, andthe following kudos:"All of my guys are very impressed with the DTA model!!!! Although you might consider the model still in itsBeta version I think it would be more beneficial for all of the AOR warfighters to exploit this powerful tool. Hats off to you, gentlemen!"
21 FebMaj. Joseph T. Benson, USAF, a weather officer with extensive contingency deployment history and recognized expert in Special Operations weather support, revisited the events surrounding Operation EAGLE CLAW [reference 24 April 1980 and 5 April 2002 entries]. He reviewed the planning events surrounding the operation with an emphasis on weather operations. He concluded that “Accurate and time-sensitive knowledge of environmental conditions could have prevented the tragedy and, possibly, assisted in the continuation of the mission or could have prompted the decision to launch on another night.” The use of Special Operations Forces weathermen in a forward observing role could have “provided accurate and timely data 12 to 24 hours before the rescue mission launched.”
28 FebThe new building transition project manager presented a briefing to AFWA/CC on the feasibility of accelerating AFWA system moves from the planned 4-year strategy to an 18-month approach in order to support full funding of required operation & maintenance (O&M) appropriation—analysis showed acceleration was not feasible. CC sent e-mail to A3O-WR stating, “AFWA does not recommend attempting to accelerate the move....[AFWA prefers to stick to] the existing baseline COA [course of action] of 31 Dec 11.”
28 FebThe 2nd Weather Group (2WG) was activated at Offutt AFB, NE, and assigned to AFWA. The group’s mission was to deliver timely, relevant and specialized terrestrial, space and climatological global environmental intelligence to Joint warfighters, DoD decision-makers, national agencies, and allied nations for the planning and execution of missions across the complete spectrum of military operations through the operation, sustainment and maintenance of AFW's $277M strategic center computer complex, production network, and applications. The 2nd WG was initially comprised of the 2nd Systems Operations Squadron (2nd SOS) and 2nd WS, at Offutt Air Force Base, NE, and the 14th WS in Asheville, N.C. It also included five solar observatories aligned with the 2nd WS: Det. 1, Learmonth, Australia; Det. 2, Sagamore Hill, Mass.; Det. 4, Holloman AFB, N.M.; Det. 5, Palehua, Hawaii, and the contractor operated observatory at San Vito, Italy.
28 MarAFWA reorganized and separated the Headquarters function (A-Staff) from the operations function. The focus was a separation of operations from the "lead command management" activities. The 2nd WG assumed responsibility for day-to-day weather and computer operations while the rest of the HQ aligned with Headquarters Air Force "A-staff" with XO becoming A3/5, SC becoming A6, XP becoming A8, DN eliminated with the functions moving to A8 and A3/5, Personnel became A1, and Special Staff became DS. AFWA Programming Plan 07-01, AFWA Organization Change Request was prepared to manage and guide the completion of various activities required to implement the reorganization.
MayAFWA/A8TM submitted to A3O-WX a plan detailing Joint Ensemble Forecast System (JEFS) prototype support to JEFX08. JEFS was a multi-year pilot project designed to determine the suitability, utility, and effectiveness of Ensemble Forecasting (EF) to enhance DoD operations.
JunAFWA was named Lead Command and Project Manager for the Tropospheric Airborne Meteorological Data Reporting (TAMDAR). A8 initiated effort to expend $723K in 3600 RDT&E funds earmarked by Congress. This effort would improve battlespace awareness through increased use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) as weather observing platforms. As developer of TAMDAR equipment, AirDat, LLC was the main benefactor of congressional earmark.
30 JunAFWA/A8J sponsored a video teleconference with Air Staff, 1st WXG and HQ AFWA to discuss recent developments in the Next Generation (NextGen) Air Traffic Control System. The teleconference brought together AFWA and Air Staff NextGen participants and provided them a common understanding of current NextGen status. As of Jun 07, AFWA’s principal player in NextGen was through the Joint METOC Board Data Management Working Group. All other aspects of the interactions with NWS and the FAA were being handled by Air Staff personnel, specifically Col Babcock (DEPFOR Federal Programs) and Lt Col Hardwick (A3O-WX).
Jul – DecThe Portable Doppler Radar (PDR) was envisioned as a deployable Doppler weather radar that would replace the conventional TMS-1, EWR and the TWR. In August the program’s budget was approved at the AFW Program Requirements Review and ESC was assigned as the procuring agency. In September ESC conducted an initial acquisition strategy conference. HQ USAF approved the TWR ORD as an acceptable requirements document in October. In November ESC posted a sources sought notice and based on replies, ESC established there was sufficient competition to issue a competitive bid. In December, ESC established a baselined acquisition schedule.
JulSoftware Programmer Manpower Cuts. Program Budget Decision 720 and “balance-the-book” cuts eliminated software programmer enlisted manpower authorizations in 2SOS/SYS. The 2nd SOS consisted of more than 160 active duty, civilian and contract personnel. The squadron operated the $277M computing complex consisting of numerous hardware and operating system platforms running terrestrial and space information exploitation and environmental characterization software. SYS was responsible for maintenance and update of the characterization software. AFWA management and AF A3O-W staff initiated efforts to restore positions. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) freeze codes (code 51) were placed on 50 personnel to ensure personnel relocations do not occur before authorizations could be restored. If authorizations were not restored SYS could not perform its mission in the long term.
OctDr. Fred P. Lewis, Senior Executive Service (SES), returned as the leader of the Air Force weather function. Col. Mary Lockhart had been the acting director since May when BGen. Stutzriem moved on to serve as Director, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Studies Group – CHECKMATE.
OctAN/FMQ-19, Automatic Meteorological Station (AMS). Final System (Number 110) was installed.
25 OctAFWA/A8 prepared a Development Plan for the AFWA Land Information System (LIS). LIS software would replace the current AFWA Land Data Assimilation System (LDAS) package commonly known as the Agricultural Meteorology (AGRMET) Model. AFWA had used AGRMET, a software package developed at AFGWC, operationally for the past 20 years to supply surface moisture, temperature, and precipitation for United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) global crop production estimates, US Army tactical decision aid systems, other National Programs, the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), the Air Force Technical Applications Center, US government, and other DoD organizations. The LIS is a National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) developed LDAS targeted as the next generation operational software infrastructure at AFWA. The LIS provides surface layer characterization of soil temperature and moisture profiles, and energy fluxes at varying resolution both regionally and globally.
NovAFWA expanded the 5km Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF)model window to cover a larger geographical area over Afghanistan. The expanded coverage would help pinpoint areas of heavy snow, icing, turbulence, etc., and would the output would also be available to precision airdrop, TAWS, and field artillery operators.
30 NovEnvironmental Scenario Generator (ESG). 14th WXS/CC [previously known as AFCCC] declared ESG operational. ESG was developed to support the DoD in training, acquisition, testing, planning, and experimentation activities employing models and simulations.
7 DecThe Network Enabled Command and Control (NECC) Meteorological and Oceanographic (METOC) Capability Module (CM) systems project office selected the Air Forces’ Joint Environmental Toolkit (JET) program as the CM provider for METOC information and awarded a $274K work package contract to the JET program to help get the NECC program to a milestone “C” decision (production and fielding) in 3FY08. The NECC capability was planned to replace all versions of the Global Command and Control System (GCCS) by 2009 and the program is already fully funded for the first two increments of development. Following the milestone “C” decision, the NECC SPO had already stated intentions of awarding a second work package contract to the JET program for the purposes of developing the balance of the needed METOC capabilities. This had major economic and political implications to the joint METOC community. First, since JET Increment 1 was expected to meet only about sixty percent of the NECC stated METOC needs, this second work package could be very large in scope and value and would almost certainly involve capability development work in the other major elements of the METOC community, such as the oceanographic and space weather segments. Second, since the METOC CM award to the Air Force supplants the Navy’s current METOC lead role in the GCCS community, it was now much more likely a partnership or a convergence between the JET and the Naval Integrated Tactical Environmental System (NITES)-Next programs would happen in the near future.
21 DecAFWA’s new headquarters building reached beneficial occupancy. USACE turned over, to the 55th CES and AFWA, 16 rooms [computer rooms, communications room and communication closets on each floor]. This permitted AFWA, 55 CS, and ADT [automatic entry control contractor] to begin the installation of data network, VoIP [voice over internet protocol] telephone solution, and automatic entry control system to meet the new move in date of 29April2008.
2008
JanOperating Location P, 2nd Weather Squadron, developed world’s first and only Proton Event Simulator for AFW, AF Institute of Technology, and USAFA students. New simulator allows students to accurately train using simulated space weather scenarios.
18 JanThe American Forces Network Weather Center initiated web-based broadcasting thus enhancing the viewing opportunities of service members, their families and other DoD personnel stationed overseas. Atlantic, Pacific, Europe and Southwest Asia Regional forecasts which included an "Extended" and "Morning" video link were prepared and placed on the AFW Web site.
15 FebFinal WC-130J aircraft equipped with the Stepped-Frequency Microwave Radiometer (SFMR) was delivered to the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron.[2] The SFMR continuously measures the winds at the ocean’s surface as the aircraft flies through a storm providing 3600 surface wind observations every hour. Previously Aerial Reconnaissance Weather Officers (ARWOs) would estimate about 10 observations per hour.[3]
26 MarCol John D. Murphy assumed command of AFWA from outgoing commander, Col Patrick Condray who moved to a new position in the Office of Secretary of Defense.
11 AprAF/A5R, Maj. Gen. Marshall K. Sabol, approved the Capability Development Document (CDD) for the JET Increments 2 through 4. The document replaced the weather toolkit portion of the Forecast System 21st Century and the IMETS Operation Requirement Documents.The JET program was initiated in 2004 using an evolutionary acquisition approach (refer to 9 Jul 2004 entry). Increment 1 became the third generation micro-processor based integrated processing, analysis, and display capability, replacing N-TFS which replaced AWDS. This CDD provided the requirements for capabilities planned for fielding in fiscal years 2010 through 2013.
JunAF/A3O-W directed AFWA take advantage of the offer made by the Naval Oceanographic Office Major Shared Resource Center for “free” High Performance Computing (HPC) computer hardware called Romulus. The scope of this project enabled AFWA to transfer the HPC environment Global Theater Weather Analysis and Prediction System (GTWAPS), unclassified and secret production, test, and development systems, from Building 301 D to Building 185 without interrupting day-to-day weather model processing.
13 JunThe inactivation of the 11th Operational Weather Squadron (OWS) marked the completion of the merger of the 11th OWS and 17th OWS, at Hickam AFB, Hawaii. The 17th OWS was now the only operational weather squadron in the Pacific, providing U.S. Pacific Command with "one theater, one forecast."
16 Jul18th WS personnel led the first combined airborne operation of the newly formed 93rd AGOW. Lt Col Steven Dickerson served as the airborne mission commander while SSgt Troy Misiak was the primary jumpmaster as the combined force jumped into the Luzon Drop Zone on Fort Bragg. Units of the 93rd AGOW that participated included jump qualified members from 18th Air Support Operations Group, 17th Air Support Operations Squadron from Fort Benning, GA, and the 820th security forces Group from Moody. In addition members of AFSOC’s Detachment 5, 10th Combat Weather Squadron also participated.[4]
21-31 JulAir Force weather teams were used to provide weather support operations for both the Army and Air Force on land or in the air during Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 08-4 Operation BRIMSTONE. However, this time AFW personnel also went to sea. The Joint METOC Coordination Cell (JMCC) was located off-shore aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan.
14 AugAlternative fuels, energy conservation and environmental compliance issues were just a few of the topics covered during "The Air Force Goes Green and Clean" environmental symposium held at AFWA. Air Force senior environmental leaders, academic professionals, architects, business leaders and members of the U.S. Green Building Council gave presentations, participated in a round table discussion and highlighted environmental issues currently being faced by both business and government agencies around the country. As AF's latest and one of Air Combat Command's first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold rated facility designated by the U.S. Green Building Council, AFWA’s new headquarters was a logical place to hold such a conference.
22 AugAFWA dedicated their new $30-million headquarters building to Lt. Gen. Thomas S. Moorman. He served 20 of his 37-year military career in weather operations and was the Air Weather Service commander from 1954 to 1958.
16 SepAF A3O-W gave the go ahead for AFWA to pursue incorporating the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) into its daily production routine. AFWA needed this additional weather model to assist in the ensemble modeling efforts to initialize the WRF model.
1 OctAFW ceased maintenance, logistics, and sustainment support for the sevenlegacy systems replaced by the AN/FMQ-19, AMS. Developed in the 1980s, the AF could no longer continue to support these systems due to lack of parts, loss of repair capability, and reduced funding. Weather units were to turn in the AN/FMQ-8, Temperature Humidity Measuring Set; AN/FMQ-13, Wind Measuring Set; AN/GMQ-34, Laser Beam Ceilometer and Indicator; visibility measuring equipment (AN/GMQ-32, AN/FMN-1, RVR-400); and ML-658, Digital Barometer Altimeter Setting Indicator.
1 OctThe AFWA Special Support Operations Flight was redesignated as Detachment 1, 623d Air and Space Operations Center, Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), during a small ceremony at HQ AFWA. This was the first step in the transition of the function to Hurlburt Field, FL.
3 OctAF/A3O-W announced the availability of prototype ensemble forecast products and training through the Joint Ensemble Forecast System (JEFS) project. JEFS was a joint experiment between the Air Force and Navy designed to test the utility of ensembles and stochastic weather information to DoD operations.
6 OctSpecial Operations weathermen received a new AF specialty code (AFSC), 1W0X2, they could call their own. The new AFSC provided special operations weathermen the right technical, physical, and tactical training from day one. This enhanced their battlefield observing, environmental reconnaissance and forecasting missions.
5 NovInternational Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) implemented new 30-hour terminal aerodrome forecast (TAF) format and many countries began issuing 30-hour TAFs. AFW transitioned to the new format but continued with the 24-hour duration.