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As temperatures rise, 14th EFS looking forward to coming home

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Charles Toplikar
  • 14th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron
BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq --  We are well on our way to a smooth transition and redeployment. Billeting and transportation are secured. Outprocessing briefings are scheduled throughout the month, and we have begun our outprocessing checklists. All decorations were submitted on time and are finalized. Folks have started mailing extra gear home to lighten their bag drag. All the while, everyone is remaining focused on the mission at hand and doing excellent work.

Congratulations to Capt Brandon McBrayer, the 332nd Expeditionary Operations Group Company Grade Officer of the Month. He was narrowly beat out in the wing competition by 1st Lt. Lena Freienmuth, 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit! These young Samurai officers are certainly demonstrating our high standards.

Congratulations to the following as well: Airman 1st Class Justin Moore, 14th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron Bushido of the Month; the AMU's newest Airman 1st Class - Leroy Moody; and the AMU's newest Staff Sergeant - Christopher Peck.

I was sent the following information from the Balad weather shop: 
With temperatures slowly but surely inching their way toward three-digit weather and dust storms sweeping across the base more frequently, the dog days of summer are almost here. Balad personnel can expect to see temperatures hit 100 degrees Farenheit regularly by the end of May, with temperatures reaching as high as 120 degrees in the summer months. Other than rising temperatures, we'll deal with strong dust storms in June and July. Billowing dust storms travel at high speeds, and can pose a threat to base personnel. The most widely recognized weather event for this part of the world is a distinct wall of sand and dust called a "Haboob." Under the right circumstances, a thunderstorm will kick out one of these 'walls' that can travel at 30 to 70 miles per hour and can carry upwards of 100 miles. It was well over 100 degrees today. 

It appears to me that it is time for the Samurai to return to Japan!

That's it for this week. We are looking forward to our return home and some well deserved rest and family time.