Cameron's Final Thoughts

It is difficult to find trainings at the Naval Academy that provide extensive opportunities to apply classroom concepts to real-world circumstances. SWIFT is almost certainly one of those trainings. Never before had I been able to connect somewhat abstract meteorological principles to reality. PowerPoint and whiteboard diagrams are often the preferred means of information transmission in the classroom, but learning through experience and observation is exponentially better. Meteorological concepts are made crystal clear: it is next to impossible to not understand what a rear-flank downdraft is when one is hitting you directly in the face!

The logistics dimension of SWIFT should also not go unmentioned. Our planning and decision-making skills were tested every single day, as we briefed others on the daily atmosphere landscape through model predictions, SPC outlooks, and forecast discussions from the National Weather Service. Once we were on the road, our target area and route often shifted as satellite or radar data confirmed or disproved model projections. We practiced effective communication, relaying hotel reservations, fuel stops, and other relevant information to members of the team in a timely manner. We made plans, only to revise those plans with the revelation of new insights into the life cycle and mechanisms of the storm.

SWIFT was truly a formative experience- it confirmed and strengthened my passion for severe weather. It was excellent training that was relevant in every way to our future careers as Navy and Marine Corps officers. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone with an interest in learning more about meteorology and the science behind our atmosphere!