Air Force Weather celebrates 75 years

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Peter R.O. Danielson
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  More than 250 members of the Air Force Weather career field gathered together to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Army Air Corps Weather Service during a ceremony at the Air Force Weather Agency here Aug. 2.

The career field traces its history back to July 1, 1937 when the Army Air Corps Weather Service assumed responsibility for all Army weather services from the Signal Corps.

"We try every day to take weather out of the equation," said Dr. Fred Lewis, Director of Weather, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans & Requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C. "That's our job today, and it's going to continue being our job in the future."

This weather-watching heritage was passed onto the Air Weather Service in April 14, 1943, which assumed the responsibility for worldwide meteorological forecasting for the Army and Army Air Corps.

Following the establishment of an independent Air Force in 1947, Air Force Weather continued to provide environmental awareness for both the Air Force and the Army.

Today, Air Force Weather continues to serve around the world and along with cutting-edge technology has re-engineered itself to better meet the demands of modern military operations.

"I ask that we remember those that can't be here today: those who have gone before, those in remote locations and those deployed," said Col. Louis Zuccarello, AFWA commander.

The ceremony included local dignitaries as well as many members of the Air Force Weather career field, both past and present.

"I don't know of any other base where three organizations make an international impact in the lives of Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and Marines," said Lt. Gen. (retired) Roger Lemke, former adjutant general of the Nebraska National Guard and representative for Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson.

Following the formal ceremony, Lewis rededicated the Air Force Weather Fallen Warrior plaque, adding five names of weather servicemen.

"Let's have a moment of silence for their sacrifice and giving their all," Lewis said. "They will always be in our hearts, minds and prayers."