319th OSS Weather Flight named AMC Outstanding weather organization for 2012

by Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

4/4/2013 - GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The 319th Operations Support Squadron Weather Flight was recently named the 2012 Air Mobility Command's Outstanding Weather Organization of the Year.

"It's a huge morale boost to be recognized for our multi-role support to operations," said Chief Master Sgt. David Tyler, 319th OSS superintendent. Tyler was referring to the 319th OSS's direct support of major organizations involved with the country's national defense and security, such as the Air Combat Command, the North Dakota Air National Guard and the Department of Homeland Security.

Although the selection is a group award and reflects the dedication and hard work of the eight-member unit as a whole, Tyler took the time to recognize the efforts of Tech. Sgt. Phillip Erickson, the weather flight's NCO in charge.

"There is nothing this professional can't do," said Tyler of Erickson.

Erickson helped the flight increase its support for several of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle missions, such as those involving Global Hawks locally and down range, according to Tyler.
Erickson also helped provide support to the Predator missions performed by the North Dakota Air National Guard and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency.

"He's maintained the unit's training requirements, its ancillary programs and its deployment readiness," said Tyler. "He's done all this and more despite having less than 60 percent manning while running a 24/7 operation."

This the third time the weather unit has earned the award. They were previously selected as AMC's outstanding weather organization in 2000 and 2001.

When asked how the weather flight's new status in the command affects the mission on Grand Forks Air Force Base, Tyler proudly responded by saying that this recognition "showcases the capabilities of the Warriors of the North to succeed in any mission at any time."