NAVAL WEATHER SERVICE ASSOCIATION

An association of Aerographers & Mates,
Meteorologists & Oceanographers

NWSA NEWSLETTER



 

Email:  aerograph@navalweather.org

Editor: AG1 Steven "Smitty" Smith, USN (Ret.)

Email: aerograph@navalweather.org

Aerograph Content Submission Guidelines

(Feel free to submit anything appropriate, in any manner; if there is a problem, I'll let you know.) 

As always, Ihopethis finds youand yourloved onessafe anddoing well, especially duringthesedifficultand challenging
times.Undoubtedly, the speed at which events havechanged life as we know it,not only here in America,butall around the world,has beenliterallybreathtakingandwill no doubt lead to much discussion atreunion #46.
Source: Aerograph February 2025

Greetings everybody,

 

I hope this finds you safe and doing well, and that you had a beautiful holiday season with family and friends.

 

We’re already a month into the New Year and Reunion 48 is rapidly approaching. I am really looking forward to having a wonderful time and sharing a few sea stories with those of you who can attend. Robert and FJ Cutting are putting in a lot of work towards making this a fun and memorable gathering. Hotel lodging instructions and tentative schedule of events are on pages 17 and 18. There are still a few moving parts so I will email everyone the registration form and finalized schedule of events, including costs, sometime in March after Robert finalizes everything. Please don’t forget to email Robert after making hotel reservations so he can keep track on number of attendees.

 

Smitty

Thursday, 24 April 2025, is the cut-off date for the May issue of The Aerograph.

E-Mail Steve at sumisus@mac.com

USPS Address: AG1 Steven Smith, USN (Ret.)

750 Avenida De La Barca

Chula Vista, CA 91910

(571) 278-5259 (If I don’t answer, please leave a message and I’ll get back to you ASAP)


In lighter vein: © Jeff Bacon 2016



EDITOR’S CLOSING THOUGHTS

To be perfectly honest, there are times when my synapses do not fire on all cylinders, the present time being one of them. So rather than fight it, I’ll just go with it and close this issue out with a short read my dear friend, longtime retired LCDR Jerry McNutt, shared with me. I hope it brings you a smile.

The Joys and Wisdom of Getting Older

 

George Phillips, an elderly man from Walled Lake, Michigan, was going up to bed when his wife told him that he'd left the light on in the garden shed, which she could see from the bedroom window. George opened the back door to go turn off the light, but saw that there were people in the shed stealing things.

 

He phoned the police, who asked "Is someone in your house?"  He said "No, but some people broke into my garden shed and are stealing from me."  The police dispatcher said "All patrols are busy; lock your doors and an officer will be along when one is available."

George said, "Okay."  He hung up the phone and counted to 30, then phoned the police again. "Hello, I just called you a few seconds ago because there were people stealing things from my shed.  Well, you don't have to worry about them now because I just shot and killed them both and the dogs are eating them as we speak" and he hung up.

 

Within five minutes, six Police Cars, a SWAT Team, a Helicopter, two Fire Trucks, a Paramedic and an Ambulance showed up at the Phillips' residence, and caught the burglars red-handed.

One of the Policemen said to George, "I thought you said that you'd shot them!"

George said, "I thought you said there was nobody available!"


True Story ......Don’t Mess With Old People!




Source: Aerograph November 2024

Greetings everybody,

 

I hope everyone had a great summer and this finds you safe and well. This production of the Aerograph was a fun one. It was kind of like putting a jigsaw puzzle together and for you dissectologists, you know the feeling of putting that last piece in place!

 

As you will see, the variety of member contributions for this issue is awesome! And I am thrilled to introduce a new section titled ‘At Large Member News’ as presented by NWSA member Dennis Ruth. Not only did Dennis send me a wonderful introduction, he contributed the very first article. You will find both immediately after ‘Chapter News’.

 

I’d like to thank all contributors for making this edition of the Aerograph a publication all our shipmates can enjoy and take pride in. Well done!

 

Smitty


Thursday, 25 January 2025, is the cut-off date for the February issue of The Aerograph.

E-Mail Steve at sumisus@mac.com

USPS Address: AG1 Steven Smith, USN (Ret.)

750 Avenida De La Barca

Chula Vista, CA 91910

(571) 278-5259 (If I don’t answer, please leave a message and I’ll get back to you ASAP)


In lighter vein: © Jeff Bacon 2017


CLOSING THOUGHTS


Sitting here writing this, I can’t help but think of how quickly the year has passed and about the uncertainty of things to come. Election drama and chaos, natural disasters, cultural upheaval, you name it. It seems rare anymore when a day passes without something on the 5 O’clock news not leaving one speechless or shaking their head in disbelief. Perhaps that’s why I watch much less news these days. And that’s not a bad thing I guess because my blood pressure is down and Harumi tells me she has a feeling of Feng Shui, whatever that is. With that being said, it is my desire to close this issue with positive vibes because the good Lord knows, we can always use something to lift our spirits and make us smile.

In November of 1978 I transferred from the USS Midway (CV-41) to NAFD Atsugi, Japan. Shortly thereafter, in the summer of 1979, the Australian group Little River Band came out with an AFRTS Casey Kasem chart topper called Cool Change. As a young AG, duty onboard the Midway was challenging, at times frustrating and lonely, never boring, and often times rewarding as it set the course for my Navy career. I can still remember times of incredible camaraderie with my shipmates during periods of intense flight operations at sea. And then, as if somebody flipped a switch, moments of solitude and breath taking beauty while sitting out on the catwalk in the darkest of nights, watching moonbeams dance upon the ocean’s surface and listening to the ship gracefully slip through the water. And to this day, I can’t help but think of those times whenever I hear that song.

Now, in the season of life where I probably do more looking back than forward, I grow more appreciative every day for the many blessings God has given me. Wonderful parents, family and friends, a meaningful career, worldwide travel, music, laughter, love, and so much more that if I were to list them all, it would make this edition much longer to the chagrin of our shipmate Tom Miovas, who certainly does Yeoman work in the printing and mailing of the Aerograph.

 

So in closing, I’d like to wish you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving and beautiful Christmas. And may joy and peace fill all of our hearts and homes through the holiday season and coming year. Take care and I hope to see many of you at Reunion 48.

 

Smitty

P.S. I hope you enjoy the song:

Cool Change LYRICS by Little River Band ♪




CLOSING THOUGHTS


Sitting here writing this, I can’t help but think of how quickly the year has passed and about the uncertainty of things to come. Election drama and chaos, natural disasters, cultural upheaval, you name it. It seems rare anymore when a day passes without something on the 5 O’clock news not leaving one speechless or shaking their head in disbelief. Perhaps that’s why I watch much less news these days. And that’s not a bad thing I guess because my blood pressure is down and Harumi tells me she has a feeling of Feng Shui, whatever that is. With that being said, it is my desire to close this issue with positive vibes because the good Lord knows, we can always use something to lift our spirits and make us smile.

In November of 1978 I transferred from the USS Midway (CV-41) to NAFD Atsugi, Japan. Shortly thereafter, in the 

Source: Aerograph August 2024

Greetings everybody,

 

As the lazy dog days of summer make their annual trek towards autumn, I hope this finds you and your families safe and well!


Our summer has been blessed by times spent with family. There is much I could write about our adventures but will limit it to an event that occurred on Independence Day during the celebration of our nation’s 248th birthday. Son Brian and family came out from El Paso, TX, to join us for the festivities and take a reprieve from the desert heat. Once again my attempts to get tickets to view the fireworks from the flight deck of the USS Midway Museum were dashed. It’s unbelievable how fast those suckers get sold out!  While searching for an alternate venue I came upon information about the first annual Freedom Fest VIP Experience held at Naval Base Point Loma, Harbor Drive Annex. Initially I had some reservations because the ticket prices were steep and you had to pay for parking to boot!  After giving it a little thought though, I said “what the heck, let’s go for it!”  After all, something that’s a first time event with VIP EXPERIENCE in the headline can’t be that much of a gamble. The cost included reserved seating in a beautiful outdoor covered patio area with a spectacular view of San Diego Bay and city skyline, delicious catered meals for lunch and dinner, a variety of veggie trays, fresh fruit and deserts, unlimited water, tea, juice and sodas at no cost, and adult beverages of choice for a reasonable price. And if all that wasn’t enough, they rolled out soft serve ice cream and S’mores in the evening!  It truly was a gluttonous affair if ever there was one, ha!  And did I mention the fireworks?  Well, this will be a little challenging to describe if you’ve never been to San Diego, but I have a feeling many of you have. So  imagine sitting outside in the cool of the evening  and gazing down the bay as countless small boats, and not so small yachts, glide easily through the water. The colorful lights of the city sparkle in the distance as do the lights of Harbor and Shelter Islands, the Coronado Bay Bridge and NAS North Island. And amidst that beautiful setting, fireworks from four barges around the bay go off promptly at 9:00pm, lasting for a glorious 20 to 25 minutes before ending in a round of enthusiastic patriotic applause! Yes the day was long, and by the time we arrived home late that evening we were totally wiped out. But we were happy and thoroughly content because once again, the Navy did it right!

 

To echo what President Ed mentioned regarding Reunion #48, it will be held May 5-9 in lovely Gulfport, MS, so please save the dates! Bob & FJ tell me the preliminary schedule of events includes tours of NASA Stennis Space Center and Keesler AFB, home of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron “Hurricane Hunters”. Complete Reunion details will be published in the November Aerograph.

 

Smitty


Thursday, 24 October 2024, is the cut-off date for the November issue of The Aerograph.

E-Mail Steve at sumisus@mac.com

USPS Address: AG1 Steven Smith, USN (Ret)

750 Avenida De La Barca

Chula Vista, CA 91910

(571) 278-5259 (If I don’t answer, please leave a message and I’ll get back to you ASAP)



In Lighter Vein: (c) Jeff Bacon 2024

EDITOR’S CLOSING THOUGHTS

Sadly, Secretary/Treasurer Tom Miovas’ assessment about our world being in turmoil cannot be denied. Hence my reason to close this issue with a little levity and a couple of ridiculously cute pictures of kids being kids, that for some reason, made me think of the old Art Linkletter show from years ago that included a segment called “Kids Say the Darndest Things”.


Art Linkletter's Kids Say The Darndest Things (youtube.com)


A Wee Bit of Irish Humor

Paddy is doing some roofing for Murphy.

He nears the top of the ladder and starts shaking and going dizzy.
He calls down to Murphy and says, “I think I will ave to go home. I’ve gone all giddy and I feel sick.

Murphy asks “Ave you got vertigo Paddy?”

Paddy replies “No, I only live round the corner.”

Kids enjoy a day of fishing at Convict Lake in the Eastern Sierras of California.

Until next time, may the grace, peace and love of God be with us all. Take good care everybody and stay safe.

 

Smitty




Source: Aerograph May 2024

Greetings and happy spring everyone,

A potpourri of fine articles awaits you in this edition of the Aerograph.  Among them is the biography of LCDR John Dungan Jr., USN (Ret), the first Chief Aerographer of the United States Navy. It was provided by his grandson, AWCM John David Dungan Jr., USN (Ret), and wonderfully complements the painstaking research and write up done years ago by AGCS Enrique Acosta Gonzalez, USN (Ret). Needless to say, the biography, historical documents, and pictures donated by John are an invaluable contribution to the history of the Naval Weather Service. Thank you Master Chief! 

And on this issue’s back cover, there is a great picture of USS Iowa (BB-61) firing her guns with a link discussing the ship’s displacement, or lack thereof; as well as a link to an old classic training video about the structure and operation of a battleship’s gun turret. I’m guessing a few 2 memories will be stirred by those who served onboard those amazing ships. 

Smitty 

Thursday, 25 July 2024, is the cut-off date for the August issue of The Aerograph  E-Mail Steve at sumisus@mac.com USPS Address: AG1 Steven Smith, USN (Ret) 750 Avenida De La Barca Chula Vista, CA 91910 (571) 278-5259 (If I don’t answer, please leave a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.) 
                                                    In lighter vein: © Jeff Bacon 2020

EDITOR’S CLOSING THOUGHTS

It just so happens that this issue of the Aerograph has weather articles regarding typhoons. Perhaps not a bad thing since hurricane season is right around the corner. And although it wasn’t on my radar, no pun intended, it allows me to effortlessly segue into the “climate change” fiasco. A topic that has a lot of people worked up, some to the point of violence and others towards making unnecessary laws. No doubt climate variability is real, and we know that it changes from year to year, decade to decade, century to century. It always has, and always will. But, is it really the existential threat to mankind that the elitists and a growing number of government leaders worldwide tell us it is? I guess what frustrates me about the whole climate debate is the untruthfulness of those with an agenda that have driven a wedge between people to the point where it can’t even be discussed in a civil and reasonable manner. Like so many things in our world today, it has been politicized to the point of insanity. Thankfully however, like an anchor in a storm, the never changing truthfulness of God’s word remains. In fact, the promise of climate’s fate was written about long ago in Genesis 8:22:

 

“As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest; cold and heat; summer and winter; day and night; will never cease.”

And in those words, unlike the destabilizing divisive rhetoric of man, I find peace and stability for my soul, and hope you do also. So until next time dear friends, take good care of yourselves and the ones you love.

 

Smitty



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