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Meteorology on the Forecast for Africa Partnership Station

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100224-17
Release Date: 2/24/2010 7:25:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) John Stratton, USS Gunston Hall Public Affairs

USS GUNSTON HALL, At sea (NNS) -- Having the most current information on the weather while at sea is a ship's lifeline. For the Aerographer's Mates (AGs) aboard USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) as part of Africa partnership Station (APS) West, keeping current with the latest weather is crucial as the ship heads toward West Africa.

AGs are responsible for collecting, recording and analyzing meteorological and oceanographic information. They make visual and instrumental observations of weather and sea conditions, prepare up-to-date weather maps and oceanographic data, and post weather forecasts and warnings.

"Weather is an extremely important tool when it comes to decision making," said Lt. Brandon Le, officer in charge of the APS West meteorological and oceanographic (METOC) detachment embarked aboard Gunston Hall.

While en route to Africa, AGs take daily readings to measure air temperature, humidity, and sea states.

"The data we collect now and during APS goes to the Naval Research Lab to be placed in a model that helps people better understand weather patterns in the region," said Aerographer's Mate 2nd Class (AW) Cory Clare, from Apopka, Fla.

During APS, students from various African countries will learn several aspects of how weather works. Le and Nigerian navy Cmdr. Godffrey Kwetishe, a hydrographer in the Nigerian navy, will be instructors. Their program will be a continuation of the METOC program conducted during last year's APS deployment to West Africa aboard USS Nashville (LPD 13).

"This year, the METOC team will focus our curriculum to how the atmosphere interfaces with the ocean to create weather," said Le.

"A few of our topics include erosion and current movement," said Kwetishe. "Students need to know about the maritime environment as it affects our ecosystem. That's in addition to human activities, such as exploration and exploitation, availability of hydrographic information, effectiveness of policing control and monitoring, mariners activities in the environment, and anti-pollution measures to mention a few."

"When it comes to maritime safety and security, coastal weather is a variable that must be taken into consideration by the decision-makers," said Le.

Gunston Hall is on a scheduled deployment to the 6th Fleet area of responsibility in support of APS West. APS West is an international initiative developed by Naval Forces Europe and Naval Forces Africa that aims to improve maritime safety and security in West and Central Africa.