Air Weather Service

The Air Weather Service (AWS) was established as a major command of the United States Air Force in 1943, initially tasked with providing critical weather support to military operations during World War II. Throughout the Cold War, AWS evolved to employ advanced meteorological techniques and technologies, supporting both strategic and tactical Air Force missions globally. The unit played a vital role in forecasting for air operations during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and its expertise was crucial in safeguarding aircrews and optimizing mission effectiveness. In 1997, AWS was redesignated as the Air Force Weather Agency, reflecting its expanded role in providing comprehensive environmental intelligence to the Air Force and Department of Defense.