People have always tried to predict the weather, even before they understood how it works. Navy Aerographer’s Mates now have forecasting the weather down to a science. At Fleet Activities Yokosuka watching the weather is a full time job as Chris Henry explains. Includes sound bites from Chief Aerographer’s Mate (AW/SW/IDW) Travis Younce and Aerographer’s Mate 1st Class, (AW) Christopher Thompson.

Lead: Just 3 Airmen from Andersen’s 36th Communications Squadron work diligently to ensure the only weather radar in the entire Marianas Islands provides vital information to Andersen base weather, Guam International Airport, and even Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. SrA Whitlow explains what the radar is, how it works, and how important it is to the Andersen mission.

Narration: Tucked behind the backroads of Guam, just south of Andersen Air Force Base stands a lone, tall radar tower. Operated by just 3 Airmen from the 36th Communications Squadron, it’s what they call the NEXRAD Doppler Radar.

SSgt David Vanderloop, Ground Radar Technician, 36th Communications Squadron (36 CS): “The NEXRAD radar is a Next Generation weather Radar used here on Andersen. It provides products to Andersen base weather, FAA, the National Weather Service, and also Hickam gets a feed of from radar site.”

Narration: The NEXRAD Doppler Radar system is a network of high-resolution weather radars operated by the National Weather Service. The NEXRAD detects precipitation, atmospheric movement, or wind by shooting radio frequencies out into the air.

SSgt Vanderloop: “How the NEXRAD radar works is, we generate pulsed RF which shoots out of the antenna, which will then bounce off of a cloud, and then receive back into the same antenna it transmitted from, we will then process then send out to all of our users.”

Narration: Although satellites work for a similar purpose, the NEXRAD radar provides a more in-depth look into the atmosphere.

SSgt Benjamin Touchstone, Ground Radar Systems NCOIC, 36th Communications Squadron (36 CS): “Satellites coverage will give you a more aerial view of the cloud coverage in the area. The difference between it and the radar is the radar gives you a more detailed internal look of the cloud. So you can see what’s actually going on inside of it.”

Narration: Without that radar coverage, weather forecasting is much more limited, which in turn directly affects Andersen’s high operational flying missions.

SSgt Touchstone: “It’s important to have it up with all the air traffic we have coming in and out of Guam International Airport plus all of the training missions and exercises we run here from Andersen. Especially in certain circumstances where you’re flying stealth missions and things like that, some of those airplanes won’t actually fly without radar coverage up. These products are absolutely vital to all of Andersen’s flying missions”

Narration: The NEXRAD is the only weather radar within the Marianas region. It serves the Andersen mission while also providing the Pacific region a detailed look into Guam’s skies. Soundbites from Staff Sgt. David Vanderloop, Staff Sgt. Benjamin Touchstone. Produced by Senior Airman Mariko Whitlow. Also available in high definition.

A critical piece of any country's success or failure is its ability to educate leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Known as STEM, they are critical components of our quality of life and our ability to defend ourselves. Jon Zanone tells us how, with the help of industry leaders and other services, the Air Force Academy is reaching out to kindergarden through twelfth grade teachers and helping them make STEM exciting for students. Includes soundbites from Col. Neal Barlow, Chair, USAFA Engineering Division, Lt. Col. Bob Kraus, USAFA chief scientist and Dr. Billy Chrisler, USAFA STEM outreach director. Also available in high definition.

Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense specialists with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit practice night-time reconnaissance and detection. The Marines donned full protective suits and oxygen tanks to simulate being called to a site with unknown and potentially dangerous substances. Also available in high definition.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging machines stateside allow medical staff to get a better look at tissue in the human body, including the brain. Petty Officer Peggy Trujillo tells us how the M.R.I. trailer in Kandahar, Afghanistan is helping doctors conduct a study that will help exlain more about traumatic brain injury. Soundbites include LCDR. Maria Barefield - Officer in charge, Concussion Specialty Care Center and SGT. Christopher Giannetti - Occupational Therapy Assistant, Warrior Recovery Center. Produced by MC1. (SW/AW) Peggy Trujillo. Also available in High Definition.

Package about the advancements in technology and training techniques. Produced by Petty Officer 2nd Class Blake Midnight. Soundbite from Cmdr. David Wallace. Also available in high definition

Proper energy conservation can make a huge difference in the budget of your workplace. A1C. Adam Harder reports how one medical shop is proving that you don't need to waste energy to stay efficient. Soundbites include Col. Herbert Scott - Commander 36th Medical Group and MSgt. Mark Paradis - Facility Manager 36 Medical Group. Produced by A1C. Adam Harder. Also available in High Definition.

The Idaho National Guard has found a unique way to use combat equipment in support of state emergencies. Includes sound bite from Maj. Dennis Stitt, Joint Task Force Commander. Available in high definition.

Service members of the 365th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion train with IED-detecting robots at Bagram Air Field, which will ensure safer missions for convoys and other ground operations. Soundbytes from Robert Luptke, robotics technician; MAJ Nicholas White, 365th CSSB. Story by Sgt Jimmy D. Shea. Also available in high definition.

Increased battle rhythm, high stress operations and the stress of

being away from family and friends can lead to deployed service members neglecting a key part of health. A balanced diet is hard to maintain while outside the wire, Senior Airman Cameron Currie tells us how the m-r-e is keeping Soldiers fueled.