Air Force Combat Weather Center Ribbon Cutting

  • Published
  • By Paige D. Hughes
  • AFWA Public Affairs
AIR FORCE WEATHER AGENCY, Offutt AFB, Neb. --  The Air Force Combat Weather Center opened a new 8235 sq. ft. facility on Hurlburt Field., Fla. Tuesday with a ribbon cutting ceremony officiated by Col. Thomas Stickford, Air Force Director of Weather.

The new facility incorporates office space, warehouse facility and training rooms into a single structure, providing substantially more workspace for the 32 members assigned to the unit. For more than 20 years, AFCWC has been involved in examining emerging technologies, innovative ideas, and warfighter weather requirements to determine the most promising improvements for Air Force Weather operations.

"This is a great organization, filled with unsung heroes who impact and influence our warfighters every day. Their impact is global, providing support across the Department of Defense and in particular, the Army," said Col. Stickford.

The 59,000 sq. ft. equipment yard provides adequate space for tactical and fixed equipment to be set up simultaneously, with plenty of room to replicate 'true' field conditions for testing, training and evaluation.

"I have a great appreciation for what Air Force Weather contributes to support the warfighter. I want the field - those using the equipment - to feel confident that the equipment will work the way they need it to work, " said Lt. Col. John Shattuck, commander, AFCWC.

AFCWC is credited with providing "Just-In-Time-Training" on tactical equipment in support of 150 Air National Guard and Reserve members deploying to Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM. Additionally, they tested equipment and software and created a user set-up guide, assisting in the successful fielding of a First-In Weather System to 75 deployed combat weather teams in direct support of the global war on terror.

The efforts of the men and women at AFCWC translate into cost savings for the Air Force. One recent test of tactical weather equipment has the potential of saving nearly $750,000. Additional savings add up by ensuring software and hardware perform correctly the first time out, avoiding costly corrections to redistribute systems that were deployed with problems.

The success of the unit is greatly reliant on the ability to adequately conduct their mission. For this reason, previous AFCWC commanders worked with base leaders to construct a larger facility. "It is impossible for a project of this size to work without the help and support of the Hurlburt Field community," said Lt. Col. Shattuck. Col. Frank Kisner, commander, 16th Special Operations Wing supported the new facility and attended the ribbon cutting ceremony. AFCWC is a subordinate unit of Air Force Weather Agency, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

"This new building will provide the combat weather center the means to continue their outstanding contributions to improving the weather warfighting capabilities of the Air Force combat weather teams," said Col. Stickford.