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Next Generation Mobile Weather Tracking System Ready for Fleet Deployment

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS130116-10
1/16/2013

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Thompson

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- An enhanced mobile weather tracking system developed by the Navy is soon to replace the current model in use by the Marine Corps since Operation Desert Storm.

Marines attached to Marine Air Control Squadron One, Detachment Bravo tested the Meteorological Mobile Facility (Replacement) Next Generation (METMF(R) NEXGEN) weather tracking system and its upgraded capabilities at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in December.

The first full-rate production model of the METMF(R) NEXGEN is expected deploy in the coming months to III Marine Expeditionary Force on Okinawa. With the U.S. military shifting its focus toward the Asia-Pacific region while continuing to support partners in the Middle East, there is a need for enhanced capabilities with a smaller equipment footprint and lower total ownership costs.

Expeditious forecasting is an essential part of controlling fixed and rotary wing aircraft in a mobile manner for the Marine Corps. The more mobile and deployable, the better response Marines can provide as a Marine air-ground task force.

The system was developed by the Navy's Program Executive Office for Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence for use by the Marine Corps and U.S. forces.

"The NEXGEN is designed to be expeditionary in manner, highly-deployable, quick to set up and rapidly employable," said Marine Capt. Kevin Vicinus, PEO C4I's METMF(R) NEXGEN assistant program manager.

"This system isn't just a replacement, it is a significant enhancement to the way we provide support to the fleet," said Vicinus. "It was designed to be modular so that they could stand alone or be integrated with other systems. The capability that this provides is much quicker and much more refined than the level of fidelity that we currently have available in the fleet."

Vicinus has overseen the development of the system the last three years.

"We are now capable of moving under our own power, establishing a location and begin running in less than an hour," said Vicinus. "Previously we looked to outside agencies for transportation, now this system is autonomous in nature. It only takes a minimum of two Marines to pack up and move this system to anywhere."

In addition to the improved forecasting capability, the mobile facility has an improved environmental control unit, improved interior space, independent interface capability and an overall more ergonomic design for an easier transition from transport to battlefield usage. It will also reduce operator workload, human error and safety hazards.

"The METMF(R) NEXGEN will make better forecasters by using better equipment," said Gunnery Sgt. Allen Coley, PEO C4I's METMF(R) fleet liaison. "It is a smarter system that will make them better at their job, providing better support to the unit. The old system needed outside equipment to move it. Now we will be able to move it ourselves."

Eight fully operational METMF(R) NEXGENs will soon be en route to Marine Corps bases worldwide in support of U.S. forces. Three will be supporting the East Coast of the United States, three supporting the West Coast and two for operations in Japan.

"This system is fully mission-capable upon delivery," said Coley. "We have this outstanding new system and we are ready to help."

The current METMF(R) systems are to be phased out in a one-for-one swap throughout the fiscal year, with the last system being retired at the end of this fiscal year.