Weather update

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Tech. Sgt. Damion Madison (right) and Staff Sgt. Daniel Hayes inspect a tactical meteorological observation system during training at the flightline here. The system is a collection of weather sensors connected to a computer and Iridium data modem that measure cloud base, surface pressure, temperatures, dew points, wind speed and density altitude. It provides near-real-time mission-critical weather date to war planners and decision makers. Both Airmen are members of the 374th Operations Support Squadron combat weather team here. (U.S. Air Force photo by: Master Sgt. Val Gempis)

Rescue squad brings experience to Cooperative Key

PLOVDIV, Bulgaria -- Senior Airman Kristopher Abel uses a wind indicator to gauge the weather for a landing site for two other pararescuemen. He is one of about 50 56th Rescue Squadron Airmen from Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland, who are here for exercise Cooperative Key 05. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Chance Babin)

Hanging on

AVON PARK, Fla. -- Tech. Sgt. Charles Rushing pulls himself along a rope during the Dragon Challenge 04 obstacle course event here Dec. 5. Dragon Challenge is an annual competition which tests the physical, mental, and emotional strength, and endurance of tactical air control party Airmen. Sergeant Rushing is assigned to the 18th Weather Squadron at Pope Air Force Base, N.C. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Quinton T. Burris)

Don't give up now

AVON PARK, Fla. -- Staff Sgt. Charles Rushing pulls himself across a rope obstacle during Dragon Challenge 04 here Dec. 5. Dragon Challenge is an annual competition where airmen compete for top honor in physical strength, endurance, mental and emotional challenges. Sergeant Rushing is assigned to the 18th Weather Squadron at Pope Air Force Base, N.C. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Lapedra P. Tolson)

Predicting the weather

UDORN THANI, Thailand -- Marine Corps Sgt. Ryan Cunningham (left) and Staff Sgt. Michael Rudd will use a satellite receiver to provide a timely and accurate weather picture for crews aboard MC-130s, F/A-18s, KC-135 Stratotankers and C-12s during Cobra Gold 04. They are part of a multinational, multiservice team of weather forecasters here. Cobra Gold is an exercise designed to improve U.S., Thai, Singaporean, Mongolian and Filipino combined readiness and interoperability, enhance security relationships and demonstrate U.S. resolve in the region. Sergeant Cunningham is assigned to the Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 at Iwakuni, Japan. Sergeant Rudd is assigned to the 353rd Operations Support Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Michael Farris)