The horizon forms a static line between the deep-blue sea and the cloud filled sky. The peaceful scene conceals the ever-present danger that inclement weather may reveal. Towering waves and severe rains may be forecast, but Mother Nature's forces cannot be influenced.

Regardless of the challenges aerographer's mates (AG) onboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) face, they work hard to provide accurate weather forecasting while out at sea.

"AGs are responsible for providing environmental data collection, analysis and dissemination of atmospheric and oceanographic data to the warfighter, anywhere from the stratosphere to the sea floor," said Senior Chief Aerographer's Mate James L. Green, Operations Department OA Division leading chief petty officer.

Junior AGs are heavily involved in the data collection process. They are responsible for collecting wind, sea and precipitation data.

"A large amount of emphasis is placed on data collection," said Aerographer's Mate 2nd Class Leigh Windham, a native of Minneapolis. "Our observers make a report every half hour during flight operations. Those observations are ingested into a numerical model which generates data that assists our military and civilian counterparts."

During periods of observation, AGs use hand-held anemometers to gauge wind speeds, dew points and air temperatures.

"Science does not thrive without the collection of data," said Green. "Once we collect the numbers, we analyze them and see how the data will affect the ship and the strike group."

Green said the collection of data is crucial in assisting warfare commanders in making precise and informed decisions.

Having an accurate weather analysis is an important part of operational risk management. Proper assessment of possible hazards and scenarios allows the crew to continue their missions with the safest plan of action.

"Our primary goal is safety of flight operations and navigation of the strike group," said Windham. "We must insure the pilots and warfighters are notified about any hazards that could affect navigation or flight."

According to Green, AGs increase their output during periods of inclement weather. As part of their training, they are required to collect and distribute more up-to-the-minute data.

"We're in a constant training environment," said Green. "When inclement weather affects the ship, we do our best to insure the transition is as seamless as possible, and for it to have the smallest possible impact."

George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, are on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. George Washington will conduct a hull-swap with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) later this year after serving seven years as the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier in Yokosuka, Japan.

For more news from USS George Washington (CVN 73), visit www.navy.mil/.