Mitigating weather-related risks: Barksdale Weather Flight warns Airmen of severe storm conditions

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Allison M. Boehm
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
At any given time, dozens of Barksdale Airmen are at work outside-- on the flightline under B-52s, training the working dogs, on site at construction projects throughout the base. Supporting the Barksdale mission can subject Airmen to the elements, but when inclement weather strikes, it's the job of the Barksdale Weather Flight to ensure base personnel are able to do so safely.

The 2nd Operations Support Squadron's Weather Flight monitors and issues warnings in order to mitigate weather-related risks these Airmen and work zones are susceptible to during periods of severe weather, a process, according to Master Sgt. Kelvin VanWright, that is very important to Barksdale.

"Our decision to issue a warning impacts not only the flying mission of Barksdale, but depending on the nature of the warning, a tornado for example, many lives could be at stake," said Sergeant VanWright.

The choice to issue a warning is not made by sheer guess--the Barksdale Weather Flight collaborates with the 26th Operational Weather Squadron on a daily basis to formulate forecasts and general weather depictions. They also work 24/7 to monitor the weather through the use of radar, satellite and various weather charts to ensure when the warning is issued, the threat is looming.

"These combined efforts factor crucially into the monitoring and warning process," said Sergeant VanWright.

The weather flight is responsible for reporting weather threats to command post who then issues warnings ranging from high wind to tornado watches. A warning will be issued when the weather situation has deteriorated to the point where severe weather will strike Barksdale imminently or the danger is highly probable.

"Severe weather warnings require a lot of coordination and teamwork," said Sergeant VanWright. "We issue warnings, but it takes hard work from Airmen at the command post to disseminate the information to the base populace in a quick and efficient manner."
Once their job is done, different organizations have different precaution plans and put them into effect.

"These warnings are important to the safety of Barksdale Airmen," said Staff Sgt. Jeremy Gavidia, 2nd Bomb Wing ground safety. "When a warning is sent, it can be passed along so Airmen can take the necessary precautions."

Certain warnings, like a tornado, requires all personnel to find the nearest suitable shelter. Other warnings such as lightening within five miles, high-winds, and thunderstorm watches require different actions depending on the work zone.

According to Sergeant Gavidia, each work zone has the potential to be affected differently. "Lightening within five miles requires all individuals on the flightline to evacuate to an inside facility," he said among other examples. "High winds could affect Airmen who are operating equipment such as cranes. It is very important Airmen take the necessary precautions when warnings are issued."

Although the Barksdale Weather Flight ensures the proper weather warnings are distributed, Sergeant VanWright still wants Airmen to be observant of the weather.
"Team Barksdale needs to be vigilant and ready to respond in a moments' notice to highly volatile weather phenomenon."