Huntsville MIC Mike Coyne looks on as NWS Southern Region Director Bill Proenza addresses area emergency managers and the media during WFO's fifth anniversary celebration (Photo: WFO Huntsville)
(Jan. 14, 2008) -- The National Weather Service forecast office in Huntsville celebrated its fifth anniversary with a kick-off ceremony in the forecast office conference room in the National Space Science and Technology Center. Featured speakers included National Weather Service Southern Region Director Bill Proenza, U.S. Congressman Bud Cramer's District Director Jim McCamy and Huntsville Meteorologist-in-Charge Michael Coyne.
"When it became operational in 2003, the Huntsville office was staffed with the most highly-trained, dedicated employees available and equipped with the latest technology," said Proenza. "We wanted a forecast office that would provide the best possible forecasts and warnings for our citizens and participate in cutting-edge research projects with the University of Alabama-Huntsville and NASA."
The Huntsville forecast office has enjoyed a high level of achievement since 2003. The staff was awarded three Department of Commerce Bronze Medals (2004, 2005 & 2007) for outstanding warning service in connection with an historic flood event and Hurricanes Ivan and Katrina. The staff was also recognized by the National Weather Association with Operational Achievement awards for outstanding operational support during Hurricane Katrina and for outstanding collaborative research efforts with its NASA and University of Alabama-Huntsville partners.
"This celebration is a good time for us to reflect on the accomplishments that our Weather Forecast Office has achieved in the last five years," said Coyne. "We are looking forward to continue building on the high level of service we have provided to the Tennessee Valley."
The kick-off ceremony launched a week-long celebration that includes a series of special school tours and an open house event. For more information about the National Weather Service in Huntsville, visit: http://www.weather.gov/huntsville.
Cutting the anniversary cake are (L to R) MIC Mike Coyne, Alabama 5th District Director Jim McCamy, Bill Proenza, Huntsville SOO Chris Darden and Forecaster Jennifer Lee (Photo: WFO Huntsville)