Rock Solid Warrior

Senior Airman Erik White, 386th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron, performs his duty as a weather forecaster next to the wings newly installed portable Doppler radar at the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, Southwest Asia May 4, 2013. White was awarded this weeks "Rock Solid Warrior" designation by the 386th Top 3 Council. White's job is to accurately predict the weather based on current conditions and weather models. "We have less information to work with out here and we have to get back to using some of our fundamental weather forecasting techniques to ensure accurate forecasts. In weather moisture plays a major role in what type of weather is seen or not seen." (U.S Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Austin Knox)

Rock Solid Warrior: Senior Amn. Erik White

Published May 11, 2013
386th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Rank/First & Last Name: Senior Amn. Erik White

Deployed Unit: 386th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron

Duty Title: Weather Forecaster

Home unit/station: 78th Operations Support Squadron, Robins Air Force Base

Family's military heritage: My grandfather is a retired major in the United States Air Force and my uncle is a retired PJ in the USAF and I have another uncle who helped me enlist and he is a retired First Sergeant in the United States Army.

What is your mission here? To accurately depict weather conditions for mission success. I provide weather information to commanders for mission planning, and provide aircrews with flight weather forecasts. I also safeguard DoD assets and personnel by providing weather watches, warnings and advisories for inclement weather. I also monitor thermal stress conditions and change appropriate flag conditions to provide proper work rest cycles for workers.

What are some of the best parts of your mission? Bad weather days. When weather is at its worst we are at our best here at the weather flight. I feel a real importance in what part I play in the mission and how weather plays a role in mission success and /or failure.

What are some of the challenges you face while conducting your mission, and how do you overcome them? We have less information to work with out here and we have to get back to using some of our fundamental weather forecasting techniques to ensure accurate forecasts.

How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base? It's a lot hotter, and drier. In weather, moisture plays a major role in what type of weather is seen or not seen.

How many times have you deployed? This is my first deployment.

What makes this deployment unique? I believe the work environment has made this deployment unique. I have the opportunity to work with many different people from many different career fields. Each brings a unique perspective to the mission.

Why did you join the Air Force? I wanted to be able to provide a stable living for my family and provide myself with education and experience that only the military could offer.