Whether or not they fly

Tech. Sgt. Matthew Renkosiak, 48th Air Expeditionary Group weather forecaster, monitors weather patterns using various computer-generated models at Siauliai Air Base, Lithuania, Jan. 7, 2014. Renkosiak is the sole weather forecaster deployed with the 48th AEG and will work closely with the Lithuanian meteorology office at Siauliai Air Field. (U.S. Air Force Photo by 1st Lt. Leah Davis/Released)

Whether or not they fly

Tech. Sgt. Matthew Renkosiak, 48th Air Expeditionary Group weather forecaster, speaks with Kazimieras Rupšys, chief of the meteorology office at Siauliai Air Field, Lithuania, about weather patterns while developing a working relationship that will carry them through the next four months. Renkosiak is the sole weather forecaster deployed with the 48th AEG. (U.S. Air Force Photo by 1st Lt. Leah Davis/Released)

Weather or not they fly

Published Jan. 10, 2014
By 1st Lt. Leah Davis
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SIAULIAI AIR BASE, Lithuania -- -- Weather can change at a moment's notice, and the F-15C Eagles deployed to Siauliai Air Base, Lithuania, need to remain ready to fly. Not only does weather affect pilots waiting for the go, but it also affects the mission of all Airmen deployed here.

Four F-15C Eagles and aircrew members from the 48th Air Expeditionary Group will be on alert status 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the next four months supporting the Baltic Air Policing mission. More than 150 Airmen from RAF Lakenheath are deployed in support of the mission, and all of them depend on Tech. Sgt. Matthew Renkosiak, 48th Air Expeditionary Group weather forecaster, for accurate weather readings.

Renkosiak monitors weather by utilizing various computer models and meteorological satellites.

"My day starts at least four hours before the aircrew arrives," said Renkosiak. "The weather will be a challenge here the next couple of months. It will have a very large impact on how often the jets can fly."

Renkosiak is the sole weather forecaster deployed with the 48th AEG. During the deployment he will work closely with the Lithuanian meteorology office at Siauliai Air Field.

"I will work my standard day; but when I leave, the Lithuanian meteorology office will be tracking the weather all night and taking observations," explained Renkosiak. "If I can't get to the base in time before an alert mission, the Lithuanian meteorology office will be there to support us if needed."

Unlike the pace he's accustomed to at RAF Lakenheath, where he briefs aircrew on weather conditions hours ahead of time, the aircrew here on alert may need a reading of the weather right away.

"My job is different every day," said Renkosiak. "The pilots need to have their head around the weather before they are heading out the door. The weather will never do exactly the same thing twice, and there is always some little nuance you have to make sure you decipher."