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Navy, Air Force Weather Forecasters Form One Front in Central Europe

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060831-18
Release Date: 8/31/2006 3:19:00 PM

By Air Force Master Sgt. John E. Lasky, Air Force News Service

GERMANY (NNS) -- Air Force weather forecasters from the 20th Operational Weather Squadron (OWS) are welcoming Navy weather forecasters into their unit at Sembach Air Base, Germany, Aug. 31.

With Navy drawdown and reach back initiatives, the number of maritime weather forecasters in Europe was reduced by more than half.

“We had a duplicate mission in theater whether we were at Rota, Spain; Sigonella, Sicily or Naples, Italy," said Lt. Shawn Gallagher, assistant director of operations. "We decided to get it all in one building.”

The integration of Sailors and Airmen has been “pretty seamless,” according to Air Force Staff Sgt. Antoine Valentino, noncommissioned officer in charge, Mediterranean weather forecasting. He’s trained on using Navy meteorological systems to produce weather reports for his region of Europe.

“The only thing that’s really different is some of the terminology,” said Valentino.

Currently five Navy personnel are working on this hilltop in southwest Germany. By early next year, the 20th OWS should have their quota of 14 Navy forecasters.

“The merger here is proving it can be done and we’re proving it everyday. The clothes may be different but the job will be the same,” said Lt. Col. John Shepley, commander, 20th OWS.

The weather technical schools for the services share classes for the first month of training. After that, the future weather forecasters continue for several months with their specialized meteorological schooling.

“The Navy forecasters can leverage maritime experience and we’ll share ours over land. We can also learn the best in both of our cultures,” added Shepley.

“It’s been a bit challenging,” said Aerographer's Mate 2nd Class Evelyn Michael, Hampton, Va. “I’ve been learning to do things the Air Force way along with the Navy way, and the Airmen have been very helpful in training in how to use their systems.”

When asked about preparing future seamen for arrival to the weather squadron Michael said, “I’ll need to give them a heads up that there’s no ocean.”