AFWA gets new commander

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Claudette Hutchinson
  • HQ Air Force Weather Agency Public Affairs
Offutt AFB, Neb. --  Col. Patrick M. "Mike" Condray assumed command of the Air Force Weather Agency from Col. John M. Lanicci, at a ceremony on Offutt AFB, Neb. June 9.

Col. John D. Murphy, Acting Director of Weather, Washington D.C., presided over the ceremony.

During his speech, Colonel Murphy said he was proud of Col. Lanicci's accomplishments during his tenure and has no doubt Colonel Condray will be able to follow in his footsteps.

"I know of no one more qualified than Colonel Condray to take on this role. He will bring his own brand of leadership to AFWA. Make us all proud we know you will. It is a truly great day for AFWA, Air Force weather and the Air Force," said Colonel Murphy.

"I am greatly encouraged by the tremendous work that has been done to lay the foundation for us to build on," Colonel Condray said.

Colonel Condray comes to AFWA from Langley AFB, Va., where he served as the Chief, Weather Operations Division, Directorate of Aerospace Operations, Air Combat Command.

According to Colonel Condray, his immediate goal is to quickly learn everything about the multiple ways AFWA directly and indirectly impacts military decision making.

"This will be critical to the ultimate goal of helping AFWA focus our expertise and resources on where Air Force weather operations add the most value for our supported Air Force, Army, and Joint warfighters," he said.

The Colonel has been at the forefront of the weather community for more than two decades. He began his career in 1983 through the Reserve Officer Training Corps at Texas A&M as a weather officer. Colonel Condray has led teams and commanded weather detachments around the world, providing critical weather information for everything from combat missions to humanitarian relief efforts. He has served in numerous staff and scientific positions, including a position as an environmental analyst specializing in weather impacts on precision munitions employment.

"I have been involved in diverse missions in multiple theaters and in both weather and non-weather positions. This perspective, plus the unmatched knowledge found here in the halls of AFWA, will make for a great team!" he said.

AFWA's unique pool of subject matter experts provides a crucial foundation for Air Force weather operations worldwide.

"With his [Colonel Condray's] leadership [experience] he is well-postured to lead AFWA," said Colonel Murphy.

"This is a crucial moment in history. Our nation is grappling with the challenge of transforming to fight what some call "The Long War," said Colonel Condray.

"We can not afford to lose - and to win this war we must use all our resources both effectively and efficiently."

"My family and I are excited to be a part of Team AFWA and Team Offutt. As we move forward, we look forward to a bright future for AFWA. Let's make it happen!" said Colonel Condray.