Aerographer's mates with Commander, Task Force 52 play a critical role in the success of the International Mine Countermeasures Exercise (IMCMEX) by giving accurate weather predictions prior to operations beginning.

IMCMEX is the largest maritime exercise in the world and is currently underway in the Naval Forces Central Command area of operations (AOO), with international naval and civilian maritime forces from more than 30 nations spanning six continents training together across the Middle East.

CTF 52 is planning and executing mine warfare operations during IMCMEX, proving command and control to U.S., U.K. and partner nation mine warfare ships, MH-53E helicopters with HM-15, explosive ordnance disposal dive teams, and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV).

The deployment of UUVs and divers is dependent on a number of factors, including weather. This is where the aerographer's mates of CTF 52 play a vital role. Aerographer's mates (AG) are enlisted Sailors who monitor sea conditions, analyze meteorological data and develop forecasts for any location in the world.

Aerographer's Mate 1st Class Matthew Williams understands his important role in providing accurate data to commanders with CTF 52, which is instrumental in their decisions relating to UUV and dive operations.

"We are conducting mine operations with three task forces operating in the NAVCENT AOO for IMCMEX," said Williams. "This requires us not only to report accurate meteorological and related data important to UUV operations but also for small boat operations where Navy personnel, such as divers, are directly participating in and supporting UUV operations. Anything limiting small boats limits UUV operations."

Williams and his three fellow CTF 52 AGs perform micro and mesoscale forecasting, which is a specialized forecasting tailored for specific operations such as UUV operations. For supervisor Chief Aerographer's Mate Philip Byars, among the most rewarding parts of his duties is the confidence commanders have in his team's ability to provide them with solid meteorological data used for conducting mine warfare operations and managing risks.

"The fact that commanders are making operational decisions based on our forecasts, data and briefings, rather than waiting to see if conditions improve, demonstrates the confidence they have in us as a team and our track record of providing accurate information," said Byars.

IMCMEX is focused on maritime security from the port of origin to the port of arrival and will include scenarios that range from mine countermeasures, infrastructure protection and maritime security operations in support of civilian shipping. The excercise continues through April 26.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet, visit www.cusnc.navy.mil/