From: Eckard, Donald W CIV Weather
Sent: Thursday, March 13, 2008 12:05 AM
To: Webmaster@NavalWeather.org
Subject: Feb 2008 Marks an End of AG's at NAS Lemoore, CA

I know all of you know by now that the AG's staffed at Naval Air Stations are slowly be replaced by contract civilian employees.  Here at NAS Lemoore, Feb 1, 2008 the last three AG's have detached and the 65903 UIC has been disestablished.  AG2 Jason Sammons, AG3 Amy Torres, and AG3 Brayla Olsen were the last to leave.  In my opinion, it is a sad moment in history.

One good thing though, the contractor's staffing the civilian observers here have chosen former AG's and a good solid base of knowledge is still here.  Both Mike Northrup (former AG1 ret-88) and myself former AG are Civilian FDO's here.  I have been here since Feb 1988 with LT Mike Hyytinen as OIC.  As for Mike he's transferred down here from NAS Fallon in 2006 when they closed the Civ FDO billet in Fallon.  Mike will be retiring in Sep 08 later this year.  As it stands, I will remain here as the lone FDO as long as I want (according to Capt Cippriano, former CO NAFC Norfolk).  I have no plans on retiring for quite some time.

I just wanted to drop a line to let you know of the latest changes here at Lemoore.  I know CDR Cruse use to be stationed here as OIC many decades back.  Okay that is it from me.  If you have any questions, just let me know.

Vr,

Donald W. Eckard
Forecast Duty Officer