How did you get to be a military weatherman?

I went through a tough program, the Air Education Commissioning Program, while pursuing a bachelor of atmospheric science degree at the University of Arizona. That influenced my decision to join the Air Force. They told me how it’s a great way of life, how they needed meteorologists. They have some sharp folks; you can tell by the way they carry themselves. I discovered a lot of the great things the military has to offer.

Is typhoon season — which we’re now in — the most challenging part of a meteorologist’s year in the Pacific?

Definitely. Nothing else compares — the potential for destruction of Department of Defense assets and lives, and typhoons are highly visible. A lot is on the line when you do a typhoon forecast.

Describe your favorite day, weather-wise.

I do enjoy the challenge of working typhoons. … But then it’s nice to have a few sunny days to rest, catch up on other things you have to set aside during storms.

Why do forecasts about typhoons’ paths and strengths change so often?

They’re predictable to an extent. But there are so many variables, low-pressure troughs, high-pressure areas, and some play more of a part than others. Evolvement of computer technology has helped us … but to get the computer models to project and agree with each other isn’t easy.

Ever get caught in a storm you didn’t expect?

Tropical Storm Megi in August 2004. I’d just got here, been here for two days, sitting in billeting, still in-processing and we went from Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness-4 to TCCOR-1 very suddenly. That raised a lot of eyebrows within Pacific Air Forces. There wasn’t an incident like that since; I intended to keep it that way.

What was the worst weather you’ve ever experienced?

Typhoon Songda in September 2004. That brought 72-knot (83-mph) winds to the island, worst I’ve seen since I’ve been here. Outside of typhoons, I saw freezing rain and just a sheet of ice on the roads in Little Rock, Ark. It caused so many accidents. That was unbelievable.

What’s the trickiest part of predicting when it’s safe to fly?

Crosswinds, cloud ceilings, visibility within storms. They’re very tricky. They can be challenging.

Global warming is making storms stronger: True, false or we just don’t know yet?

There’s not enough evidence either way. If the atmosphere is heated the same at all levels, that will actually enhance high pressure and maintain a stable atmosphere. If somehow, a patch of cold air aloft travels over warm sea surface temperatures, that’s what breaks down high pressure and causes storms and convection. I don’t know how much global warming influences that.

How many umbrellas do you own?

Two. One for me, one for my wife.

How can people on U.S. bases in the Pacific best get up-to-date weather information in English?

The Joint Typhoon Warning Center Web site for typhoons, of course. Each base has its own combat weather team and Web site. The 17th Operational Weather Squadron’s site, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, is good.

What’s next?

Seeing that I’m coming up to my two-year point as a flight commander, I’ve been tasked … to help out with my squadron’s mobility program.

Do you check the weather before you plan a vacation?

Sometimes I will; sometimes I won’t. It’s nice to be surprised every once in a while.

Air Force Capt. Colin S. Reece

Age: 33

Day job: Outgoing commander, 18th Weather Flight, Kadena Air Base, Okinawa

Pacific readers: Know someone whose accomplishments, talents, job, hobby, volunteer work, awards or good deeds qualify them for 15 minutes of fame? How about someone whose claim to glory is a bit out of the ordinary — even, dare we say, oddball? Call Sharen Johnson at Stars and Stripes with the person’s name and contact information at DSN 229-3305 or e-mail her at johnsons@pstripes.osd.mil.