Mission
Rapidly innovate, exploit, and operate cutting-edge software applications to generate environmental and IW insights to support national interests.
Personnel and Resources
16th Weather Squadron is comprised of military and civilian technical experts, with integrated contractor support, and is organized into three flights that enable national outcomes through developing and deploying innovative environmental products into global weather operations.
Operations
The 16th Weather Squadron develops and operates advanced software applications to deliver critical environmental insights in support of national security objectives. Through innovative DevSecOps practices, cutting-edge science and technology, high-quality data curation, and a commitment to mission success, the 16 WS provides essential automated decision support capabilities. The squadron consists of integrated software development, security, and operations teams organized into three operational flights that work collaboratively to deliver world-class environmental solutions:
Core Models Flight (WXM)
Operates, maintains, and optimizes Air Force Weather’s core environmental modeling capabilities. WXM ensures 24/7/365 production of analyses and forecasts for terrestrial weather, land-surface characterization, aerosols and chemistry, and clouds to support DoW and partner requirements for mission planning and execution.
Tailored Products and Applications Flight (WXP)
Rapidly develops and evaluates tailored and mission-focused atmospheric/land surface models and algorithms using ensembles to provide a complete environmental risk assessment. Via its Stakeholder Engagement Team, it also educates and solicits feedback from mission partners on available 16 WS environmental information, helping shape current and future development efforts.
Special Capabilities Flight (WXS)
Also known as "Gigawatt," serves as the technological vanguard of the 16th Weather Squadron. As the driving force behind the squadron's software operations mission, Gigawatt enables robust DevSecOps practices through Configuration Management (CM), Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD), and security tools for all squadron software applications. The flight champions technical innovation through rapid prototyping initiatives, modernization of legacy software and platforms, and pioneering advancements in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence applications for environmental insights.
(Current as of January 2026)