Andy McNeel (taken by Roland Nunez)
(Oct. 25, 2011) – The National Weather Service forecast office, Center Weather Service Unit and Spaceflight Meteorology Group in Houston joined forces at the 2011 Wings Over Houston air show at Ellington Field, Oct. 15-16. Staffers from the offices set up a booth to provide information on weather preparedness and safety and aviation weather services.
They also provided on-site weather support for the air boss and other air show officials. Fortunately, the weather consisted of mostly sunny skies and unlimited visibility for a very successful and exciting air show.
Sponsored by the Commemorative Air Force, the show featured a number of aerial displays by stunt plane and helicopter pilots, as well as World War II era fighters and bombers that thrilled the audience with a "Tora! Tora! Tora!" Pearl Harbor reenactment.
The show also featured modern-era fighter jets, including an F-4 Phantom II, an F-16 Fighting Falcon, an F/A-18E Super Hornet and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds.
Meteorologist-In-Charge Roland Nuñez and Forecaster Andy McNeel represented the Houston Center Weather Service Unit. The Houston/Galveston forecast office was represented by Warning Coordination Meteorologist Dan Reilly, Service Hydrologist Dave Schwertz, Senior Forecaster Kent Prochazka and Forecaster Chris McKinney. Senior Forecaster Tim Garner represented the Spaceflight Meteorology Group at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
"Wings Over Houston provided an excellent venue for all of us to showcase National Weather Service aviation support services covering every aspect of air and space flight," said Nuñez. "It was an invaluable opportunity to reach out to the community we serve."
Hurricane Hunters C-130 on display (taken by Dan Reilly)
