US, Polish Forecasters Share Weather Knowledge

By Lt. Coriandre Johnson, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command Public Affairs

KAPAUN AIR STATION, Germany (NNS) -- Forecasters from Fleet Weather Center Aviation Detachment (FWCAD) Kapaun, Germany, co-located with the U.S. Air Force's 21st Operational Weather Squadron (OWS), shared weather forecasting knowledge with two counterparts from the Polish armed forces last week.

The joint meteorological workshop provided U.S. and Polish participants with cross-training in tactics, techniques and procedures used by all services. The Polish meteorological and oceanographic forecasting officers, second lieutenants Monika Kaczanowska and Daniel Kowalczyk, received a condensed version of the command's certification training course and hands-on experience with weather equipment and systems.

"We appreciate the opportunity to be here, because not many weather soldiers of our rank get to travel abroad and learn like this," said Kowalczyk.

The forecasters exchanged strategies that not only broadened their knowledge base, but supports continued partnership with NATO counterparts.

"Working with the Polish forecasters was definitely a great experience," said Aerographer's Mate 1st Class Timothy Spears. "It's interesting to see the similarities and differences within the same field. We were able to compare ways [of] doing the same job and I think everyone gained something from it."

FWCAD works jointly with the 21st OWS to provide weather support to installations and aviation units operating within the United States European Command, United States Africa Command and United States Central Command area of responsibilities. Together, the commands are responsible for producing and disseminating mission planning and execution weather analyses, terminal aerodrome forecasts, and resource protection for forces operating at 491 DoD installations, encompassing 92 countries.