1st Weather Group changes command

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Rachelle Blake
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  The 1st Weather Group held a change of command ceremony in the 557th Weather Wing auditorium June 21.

Col. Thomas Blazek took command of the 1st WG from Col. Steven Dickerson, in true military fashion with the passing of the guidon.

"Col. Blazek is a superior combat proven leader with two Bronze Stars from the Army," said Col. William Carle, 557th Weather Wing commander. "He has commanded at the detachment, squadron and deputy operations group levels. He knows Army support and Air Force support. Not only is he an amazing leader, but he is also fantastic when it comes to technical support."

Blazek comes to Offutt from U.S. African Command where he served in the liaison office.

"I am proud and humbled to have the honor bestowed upon me to lead this team, the 1st Weather Group," Blazek said.

His new team has accomplished many great feats over the least two years under Dickerson's command.

"Our Airmen issued 315,000 terminal air forecasts, roughly 70,000 weather watches, warnings and advisories, and gave 250,000 flight weather briefings," Dickerson said. "I am in awe. They make me proud every single day."   

In honor of his accomplishments, Carle presented him the Legion of Merit. 

Dickerson, will not have to travel far for his next assignment as he will be taking command of the 557th WW June 24.

"Col. Dicekrson has done a tremendous amount under his leadership," Carle said. "We all know and history has proven without good weather situational awareness, missions fail and people die. Under his guidance, the 1st WG has had historic bests in forecast metrics."

The 1st WG aligns stateside weather operations with the Air Force warfighting initiative overseeing six operational weather squadrons comprised of 950 military and civilian personnel. The group is one of two under the 557th WW and is home to eight geographically separated units.