To fly, or not to fly, that is the question Published Jan. 29, 2019 By Staff Sgt. Jared Duhon 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Weather is all around us. The weather determines whether an outdoor expedition will prove enjoyable or whether a routine drive could prove perilous. It can either make our day or dampen it, literally.February 5, 2019, is National Weatherperson’s Day and is dedicated to recognizing and honoring American weather professionals. Among those professionals are the members of Team Dover’s weather flight: a team of highly trained weather specialists who keep Airmen and aircraft safe. “Weather affects every agency,” said Staff Sgt. Ivan Guzman, 436th Operations Support Squadron weather forecaster. “Whether from cancellation of missions or physical fitness tests, to how maintainers can work on an aircraft, we are important.”The weather may postpone a Physical Fitness Test, cause maintenance delays or even shut the whole base down; however, something more crucial to mission accomplishment is the possible grounding of our fleet. Serious weather conditions, such as heavy winds, rain, ice or snow, can delay the flights of our giant metal birds. “Weather drives everything we do,” said Maj. Mathew Froehlich, 3rd Airlift Squadron C-5M Super Galaxy pilot. “It is such a big player into how we plan any mission. We plan around weather – before, during and even after.”Regarding the day dedicated to recognizing the hard work of the weather flight, Froehlich had plenty to say.“They are always there for us,” said Froehlich. “These guys are there when we show up for a mission, confirming destinations and give me information that is different than what I planned on. I am glad they are there; they are a good blanket for us before we step out to go fly.”