Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs
7/2/2013 - JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- What does it take to achieve success?
A team of Airmen mountaineers accomplished a major feat by climbing to the peak of Mount Everest May 19, a triumphant achievement and the first of its kind for a U.S. military team that not only required strong will but a reliable weather forecast.
Miles from home, family and the rest of civilization, sheer willpower hoisted the United States Air Force 7 Summits team. Ice cracked underfoot as the climbers made the daunting trek. The team had already conquered six of the world's highest mountain peaks, one for each other continent with only Mount Everest remaining to complete their seven-continent journey.
The altitude typically reserved for birds and aircraft required specialized training, equipment and support. One critical piece of specialized support would come thousands of miles from the warm shores of Oahu. It was a weather report from the Airmen of the 17th Operational Weather Squadron at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.
A four-day weather forecast included wind speed, snow accumulation, wind chill, and temperature. The initial forecasts along with periodic updates were put together using satellite imagery, weather modeling, and climatology information.
"The 17 OWS forecast was right on and we summited in great conditions," said a member of the Air Force 7 Summits team. "We couldn't have done it without the weather forecast, and we truly thank all the Airmen for the amazing level of support they provided us."
The 17 OWS is responsible for delivering pinpoint weather awareness and timely forecast updates in real-time for an area of more than 113 million square miles. Their responsibility is 24/7 weather surveillance for more than 50 percent of the Earth's surface.
"We are here to provide decision, quality weather info so pilots and aircrew can plan and execute day-to-day air operations across the Asia-Pacific region," said Maj. Mark Allen, 17 OWS commander. "These reports are vital to enabling flight operations, disaster relief efforts, and military training exercises."
The request from the Air Force 7 Summits team was far from the typical day-to-day forecast, and provided the 17 OWS an opportunity to assist fellow Airmen in a unique situation.
"I was surprised, because this request was the first of its type for us. Although we are used to mapping forecasts for mountainous regions, we've never mapped Mount Everest," said 1st Lt. Andrew Spier, the Officer in Charge who built the initial request.
Mapping the peak of Mount Everest came with its difficulties.
"This forecast was very challenging. It required about four times the amount of time compared to a typical request for weather support," said Senior Master Sgt. Greg Espinosa, Flight Chief of Contingency Operations, who also prepared the information.
The Air Force 7 Summits team became the first U.S. military team in history to summit Mt. Everest. And, it was the 17 OWS that answered the call to provide the tactical weather support.
"I think it's pretty amazing we were able to provide support," Spier said. "It was definitely a challenge, but we were happy to get the opportunity."
What does it take to achieve success? In this case it took dedication, grit, sacrifice, resiliency and a team of skilled weather Airmen.
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