Protecting the mission one storm at a time

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Marissa Tucker
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Preparations for a large-scale event such as the 2011 Wings Over Wayne Air Show and Open House require careful attention to detail. From meticulous scheduling of aerial acts to ensuring Port-a-Johns are plentiful, many aspects may appear "fool-proof." Regardless of extensive, multi-faceted planning, there is no controlling Mother Nature.

While many Airmen here were setting up tents and finalizing details for the largest air show Seymour Johnson Air Force Base has ever experienced April 15, weather professionals from the 4th Operations Support Squadron tirelessly tracked one of the most perilous storm systems to hit eastern North Carolina in more than 30 years, in which 23 people lost their lives.

"We knew that the storm would hit pretty bad, but no one knew it would be that bad," said Capt. Ryan Rickert, 4th OSS weather flight commander. "Once we saw the scope of it, we alerted all base leadership to what could potentially happen."

As the storm brewed, 15,000 people made their way to the opening day of the air show, hoping for a shift in weather. The sun made brief appearances, but soon after the event began, the elements took an extreme turn. Weather professionals quickly alerted officials, who wasted no time in canceling the rest of Saturday's show while ensuring visitors quickly and safely cleared the airfield. Their warning also provided ample time to clear the airfield of all aircraft and static displays, which could have potentially been ruined by high wind gusts and debris from tornados that dropped in the area.

"Their outstanding leadership, initiative and dedication were crucial in preventing the loss of countless lives while saving millions of dollars worth of aircraft by (issuing the warning to) clear the ramp of men and machines," said Maj. Andy Ladd, air show director. "Had these individuals not acted, we could have had a situation worse than what happened at Lakeland, Fla., in which a storm hit the airport during an air show and sent seven people to the hospital, caused tents to collapse and totaled planes causing millions of dollars in damages."

Weather tops the radar in many Air Force operations, often determining the success or failure of a mission. Though weather professionals work hard, they still cannot provide definite answers. Experience, dedication and tenacity of these professionals is critical to the daily success of the 4th Fighter Wing. In the hours leading up to April 16, their actions protected Airmen and thousands of base visitors.

"From our predictions and analysis, they adjusted the air show schedule for Saturday so that all the acts would be able to fly, but the safety of the patrons and performers were paramount," said Master Sgt. Steve Balli, 4th OSS weather flight superintendent. "Weather is a difficult thing to forecast, but experience plays a major role in our success."