George Washington (CVN 73) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 442 text:

OA Division The environment plays a huge role in the day to day operations of George Washington. Winter conditions over the oceans change as rapidly as over land, and often strong winds and high seas combine to create a dangerous environment. The Mediterranean offers weather patterns that can change in minutes from calm to hazardous and even life threatening. Understanding and forecasting environmental changes and their effect on ships, aircraft and weapons systems is the job of the Aerographer’s Mates from OA Division. METRO, as OA Division is commonly referred to, has one Meteorologist Oceanographer and thirteen enlisted personnel working towards efficient tactical use of the environment, safety of flight and underway operations. and keeping the battle group safe and informed. METRO stays busy around the clock. GW forecasters provide mission-tailored forecasts for all aircraft departing the ship. Additionally, specific forecast briefs are prepared for underway replenishments, port visits and a variety of unique warfare evolutions. During the Mediterranean deployment, the AG’s supported the battle group by conducting over 1.000 cyclic briefs via CCTV. taking over 4,800 weather observations, launching 180 weather balloons and issuing 720 flight forecasts. METRO participated to some degree in every major event of the deployment. The constantly changing environment kept the cruise interesting and made for a professionally rewarding experience for the whole division. LCDR William Schulz. Jr. AG1 Mark Drake

Page 441 text:

CDR Robert King Operations Officer

Page 443 text:

AG1 Mich a c ' ..'ackson AG2 Jeffre AG2 Bernar AG2 Nicky The: AG2 Anthony Wilson AG2 Noel Kenward AG3 Shan Patterson AG3 Roy Roberson AG3 David Simon AG3(AW) Christopher Sutton AN Damon Somerville AGAA Justin Grantz ■HUM!