Page 3 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt, April 2019

Thunderbolt news http://www.luke.af.mil
Tech. Sgt. Sean Hilliard, 56th Operations Support Squadron Weather Flight craftsman, uses a Kestrel, a handheld wind and weather tracker, at Luke Air Force Base. Kestrels are used when the primary weather sensor malfunctions or becomes inaccurate.
Weather Airmen’s predictions essential to mission
April 2019 3 Facebook.com/LukeThunderbolt
Notice to claimants
In accordance with Air Force Instruction 34-511, notice is hereby given that Senior Airman Christian A. Hendrick is deceased. The undersigned has been ap- pointed Summary Court Officer for the purpose of estate settlement in accordance with AFI 34-511. All persons having claims against the estate are hereby on notice to present their claims. Claims must be presented by mail- ing or presenting a written signed statement to: 1st Lt. William Dowd via email at william.dowd.5@us.af.mil or call 623-856-2900.
Story and photo by Airman 1st Class LEALA MARQUEZ
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Flying missions take hours of preparation and one key aspect is considering how weather will impact pilots during flight.
The 56th Operations Support Squadron Weather Flight tells fighter squadrons which routes are safe to fly with mission execution forecasts, detailed descriptions of weather conditions for the outlined mission.
“We receive flying schedules from the fighter squadrons and tailor the forecast for them so when they conduct their operation planning they can plan their mission around the weather,” said Tech. Sgt. Sean Hilliard, 56th OSS weather craftsman.
Creating the MEFs begin the day before the mis- sion and continue at 3 a.m. the next morning, Hill- iard said. The MEF is typically finalized at 6 a.m., a couple of hours before the pilots step to the aircraft.
Weather hazards that could potentially affect a mission, including clouds, thunderstorms, ice and poor visibility, are included in the MEF.
“The mission could proceed as planned, move loca- tions, change start times or be cancelled based on our forecast and observations,” said Senior Airman Christopher Smith, 56th OSS weather journeyman.
Weather Airmen also create terminal airfield forecasts, a 30-hour weather outlook, and distribute watches, warnings and advisory notifications to warn all base personnel of any approaching weather events.
When a potential hazard is detected by satellite, Luke Airmen work in partnership with Davis-Mon- than AFB to create a TAF that covers the regions surrounding the two bases and inform all base agen- cies of inclement weather, Smith said.
The weather flight must perform its role effec- tively for a mission to be completed successfully.
“The most rewarding part of the job is seeing the direct impact of our forecasts in resource protection and in the safety of our pilots,” Smith said.
IN BRIEF
Chapel Easter services
Catholic services
Seder meal (Ecumenical) at 6 p.m. April 16
Mass of Last Supper at 7 p.m. April 18
Living Stations of Cross at 3 p.m. April 19 - Chapel on Mall Veneration of Cross at 7 p.m. April 19
Easter vigil at 7:30 p.m. April 20
Easter Mass at 10 a.m. April 21 - Base theater
Protestant services
Seder meal at 6 p.m. April 16
Maundy Thursday at noon April 18 - Chapel on Mall Easter Sunrise at 7:30 a.m. April 21 (breakfast follows) Easter combined service at 10 a.m. April 21
Services are at Luke Main Chapel unless otherwise noted. For more information or religious accommodation, call 623- 856-6211.
Working dogs competition
The 56th Security Forces Squadron invites the Luke Air Force Base community to watch and cheer as the 56th SFS K-9 handlers and Military Working Dogs compete in the Desert Dog Trials 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 6-7 at Cubs Stadium in Mesa, Arizona.
Military appreciation breakfast
The Glendale Chamber of Commerce Military and Veterans Affairs Committee is featuring a military appreciation break- fast at 7:30 a.m. May 8 at Glendale Civil Center at 59th Avenue and Glendale Avenue. For more information, go to glendaleaz- chamber.org/militaryappreciation. For more information, call Harry Bailey at 623-846-7483.
Korean War veterans
The West Valley Chapter of the Korean War Veterans As- sociation of Arizona invite Korean War and Korea Defense veterans to the monthly meetings held at 2 p.m. the second Friday of the month September through June at the Peoria community Center, 8335 W. Jefferson, Peoria, AZ 85345. The next meeting is April 12. For more information, call Cathy McDaniel at 602-218-8562 or email cmcdani137@aol.com.
Gate traffic
Incoming traffic builds to long lines for those trying to get on base in the mornings at South Gate. Using an alternative gate that is much less traveled may mean driving a little further but can save time and frustration. Gates are subject to close due to FPCON changes, holidays and wing down days. For more information, call Master Sgt. Sean Hooper at 623-856-6293. Gate hours:
• South Gate - Open 24 hours 365 days a year
• North Gate - 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. to inbound traffic,
3:30 to 5:30 p.m. to outbound traffic • Lightning Gate - 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Kachina Gate - 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Train a Dog Save a Warrior
Train a Dog Save a Warrior is a nonprofit organization that addresses the veteran suicide epidemic. They are featuring the Save-22-A-Day Bicycle Tour that will come through Phoenix April 7. Follow the trek on the live blog at www.save22aday.org. At this website you can find direct links to the TADSAW website to donate to the program, access the veteran application procedures, and find out more about the benefits of a TADSAW service dog or go to www.TADSAW.org.
THUNDERBOLT ALMANAC
Fiscal 2018 graduates
21st FS (calendar year).................................. 8 61st FS ............................................................ 7 62nd FS......................................................... 27 63rd FS ......................................................... 12 69th FS ........................................................... 0 309th FS ....................................................... 17 310th FS ....................................................... 10
425th FS (calendar year) ............................... 0 550th FS ...................................................... 25 56th TRS ........................................................ 7 607th ACS.................................................... 88 372nd TRS, Det. 12 ................................... 493 944th OG, Det. 2 ............................................ 2 54th Training Squadron ............................ 34
Hours flown F-35 7,612.10
Sorties flown 5,219 5,383
F-16 7,010.1
(As of March 25, 2019)
T-Bolts
Deployed around the world.
45 Luke Airmen are deployed to 10 locations