Fleet Weather Center Commemorates Transfer of Function

By Chief Aerographer’s Mate Dwight Koehn, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Fleet Weather Center, San Diego (FWC-SD), commemorated the transfer of function of maritime weather services from Pearl Harbor to San Diego with a ribbon cutting ceremony, July 15.

The official transfer occurred June 15, with the final move of the ship routing officers from Naval Maritime Forecast Center Pearl Harbor (NMFC-PH) to San Diego, and the assumption of the Optimum Track Ship Routing mission.

"Third Fleet's geographic area spans from the California coast to the international dateline, from the North Pole to the South Pole," said Vice Adm. Gerry Beaman, commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet. "I depend on people like you working in facilities like this, to continually collect data, aggregate that information and help me achieve decision superiority."

Capt. Todd Monroe, FWC-SD commanding officer, said the transfer of function marks the official initial operating capability of the new state-of-the-art weather center whose responsibility spans half the globe.

"This capability now encompasses all maritime and aviation weather services, resource protection and afloat tactical weather support for the 3rd Fleet, 5th Fleet and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility," said Monroe. "It is a significant undertaking with many moving parts, but I am confident we've built an all-star team and superior support model to answer the call."

Throughout the transition, both commands received praise from the Fleet for the professionalism displayed in the seamless transition of responsibilities.

"While the concept was straightforward, the devil is always in the details," said Capt. Van Gurley, commanding officer, Naval Oceanography Operations Command (NOOC). "I know it took a tremendous amount of effort and perseverance at all levels, from the deckplates to the staff, to make this happen. From my vantage point, FWC-SD and NMFC-PH superbly planned and executed this 'passing of the baton' for an absolutely critical mission and made it seamless to the fleet."

Beaman commended the personnel of FWC-SD and NMFC-PH for their diligence and stressed the importance of their role in the fleet.

"I know there is still work ahead to ensure the new command's foundation is built on solid ground for success," said Beaman. "Your work here is vitally important to the mission and success of 3rd Fleet and our forces in the Pacific. Keep up the charge and great work."

The FWC-SD, based aboard Naval Air Station North Island, provides full-spectrum weather services to shore-based naval aviation, afloat naval units, naval installations, contingency exercises and operations to facilitate risk management, resource protection, and mission success of fleet, regional and individual unit commanders.