Weather flight earns best in AFSPC: Outstanding weather flight, Weather CGO of the Year goes to 341st OSS/OSW

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Emerald Ralston
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Officials recently announced the 341st Operations Support Squadron, Weather Flight, as the Air Force Space Command 2006 Outstanding Weather Flight; and also named 1st Lt. Brian Yates, Weather Flight commander, as the AFSPC Weather Company Grade Officer of the Year. 

Accuracy, dependability and innovation helped earn the unit the 2006 Outstanding Weather Flight award. 

The unit provides precise weather forecasts not only for people on base, but for everyone in the entire missile complex - more than 23,500-square miles of Montana terrain. 

The weather flight is responsible for providing the wing commander with up-to-the-minute weather information to assist in planning and carrying out mission capabilities as our Airmen deploy to the missile field. 

"Accurate forecasts ensure daily deployments to and from the missile complex are accomplished in as safe a manner as possible," said Lt. Col. Michael Nahorniak, 341st OSS commander. 

These forecasts are also crucial for the 40th Helicopter Squadron, and the weather flight has repeatedly responded to provide short-notice weather support to search and rescue flights. 

"The weather forecasts for all helicopter missions were always spot-on, enabled more than 2,000 accident-free flight hours and facilitated a couple of helicopter life-saving missions," Colonel Nahorniak said. 

The weather flight also acquired a $4,200 lightning detection system resulting in increased notice of adverse weather and safety of Malmstrom's troops. They also organized a cloud-to-cloud feed for the lightning system which was invaluable to the 40th HS aviation mission. 

On top of these accomplishments, the weather flight received an outstanding rating during the 2006 Operational Readiness Inspection. 

"During the ORI, our flight blew away the inspection team and earned an outstanding rating along with Professional Team and Professional Performer honors," Lieutenant Yates said. 

This was all accomplished with two members of the already undermanned flight at deployed locations in support of the Global War on Terrorism. 

"We had two weather forecasters deployed at the beginning of the year who played a vital role in the War on Terrorism, yet those back at the wing had to carry on and provide flawless support despite the manning hit," Colonel Nahorniak said. "The leadership of Lieutenant Yates and Master Sgt. Troy Rames ensure that all their products are of the highest quality and the forecasters are phenomenal." 

"We are dedicated to the mission and providing continuous outstanding mission execution forecasts, products and information to Malmstrom's intercontinental ballistic missile forces, assets and personnel to enhance mission execution and safety throughout the complex," Lieutenant Yates said. 

And the accomplishments don't stop there. 

Lieutenant Yates received AFSPC Weather CGO of the year due to his dedication, involvement and leadership. 

Not only does he command the weather flight, Lieutenant Yates also serves as the Company Grade Officer Association financial officer and resource advisor. 

Among his accomplishments are establishing a new weather forecast for maintenance teams and developing a route forecast for wing leadership - a unique decision-making tool. 

Lieutenant Yates also developed and implemented a 'Forecaster of the Quarter' program to recognize the forecaster's proficiency and excellence, he said. This program has now been adopted by all AFSPC weather flights. 

"Lieutenant Yates not only takes care of his people, but gets the mission done right every time," Colonel Nahorniak said. "He has a lot of energy and keeps himself engaged through CGOA events, teaching meteorology to local schools and working like a dog to get his master's degree, which he just finished." 

"I am very flattered and honored to have won this award," Lieutenant Yates said. "Thanks to the hard work, dedication and excellence of my flight and leadership taking care of me and my unit, this was able to happen."