Articles

Radar: keeps resources and servicemembers safe

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Mariah Haddenham
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam-- --  The Next Generation Doppler Meteorological Radar System supports mission-related tasks on island that could be affected by the Pacific's constantly-changing weather on a daily basis.

"The NEXRAD provides products to Andersen's weather flight, the Federal Aviation Administration, National Weather Services and provides Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI, with direct a feed from the radar site," said Staff Sgt. David Vanderloop, 36th Communications Squadron ground radar systems technician.

This radar system detects precipitation, atmospheric movement and wind by shooting radio frequencies out into the air and measuring how much energy is returned. The info is then sent out to its appropriate agencies.

"Constant air traffic to and from Andersen makes it imperative to have the radar functional," said Staff Sgt. Benjamin Touchstone, 36th CS ground radar systems technician. "NEXRAD is a vital part of all training and exercises, not to mention daily operational missions."

The NEXRAD is the only weather radar asset within the Marianas Islands that provides the Pacific region with an in-depth look at Guam's skies.

"Satellites serve a similar purpose, but NEXRAD provides a more in-depth look into the atmosphere," said Sergeant Touchstone.

The capabilities of the NEXRAD weather radar make it possible to detect weather conditions deemed unfit for flight and keeps servicemembers up-to-date on the current weather status.

These capabilities keep not only government assets such as aircraft safe, but also protect the safety of servicemembers and the public.