The White Falcon - 31.01.1992, Page 1

Vol. 51 No. 4
HITE
FALCON
NATO Base, Keflavik, Iceland
January 31,1992
Flying high after 16 years of accident-free flying
Last Friday the U.S. Naval Air Station (NAS), Keflavfk Air Opera-
tions Department had a safety stand down in celebration of 16 years of
accident-free flying. All hands assembled in the A.T. Mahan High
School multi-purpose room where CAPT James I. Munsterman, Com-
manding Officer, NAS, addressed the men and women of Air Opera-
tions. “The environment that you work in is a hazardous one. The way
that we work together as a team and understand the responsibilities has
a lot to do with how efficient we are and how well we do our job.”
RADM Thomas F. Hall, Commander, Iceland Defense Force, also
applauded the Air Operations Department for their safety record. “The
weather conditions change so often here and it is often said that the next
accident is around the comer. Let’s not let it happen to us here in
Iceland. Think about safety in everything you do and let’s have a good,
safe winter and a safe year.”
Traffic accidents on the rise around the NATO Base
Vehicle accidents not only damage property, cause injuries or both,
but they also take up a lot of time, what with filling out statements to the
Security Police ana the insurance company. The best way to avoid this
type of mess is to not be involved in a traffic accident.
Last year there were 132 vehicle accidents reported. That’s about one
every three days. So far, in 1992, there have been 25 traffic accidents,
which is about one per day.
According to U.S. Naval Air Station, Keflavik Security Police,
backing-up causes just as many fender benders as when people drive
Cd. Before moving forward or backward, make certain the way is
Anticipate that in a parking lot the car parked behind you may
backing up at the same time. Creep in reverse.
/-mother accident that happens in parking lots is when people don't
give themselves enough room to pull into a parking space and may end
up hitting the car next to them.
Drivers need to reduce speed in inclement weather. Increase your
following distance to at least twice as long as that which would be used
on dry pavements. Use caution when approaching an intersection. You
may be able to stop, but the other person may not. Always clean snow
and ice off the windshield and wiperblades. Scraping a “peephole” is
not sufficient and drastically reduces visibility.
Use common sense when driving and don’t become a NATO Base
statistic.
This fender bender occurred while someone was backing up. It only
takes a few seconds to check behind you, or it may you cost you a few
dollars. (U.S. Navy Photo)
February brings more wind and more daylight
February weather at Keflavik is similar to that experienced
during January. The NATO Base can expect to be in a wind
warning on the average of at least twice a week. Wind Chill
Condition II (-11 to -30F) is a common occurrence. In 1981 a
major storm generated gusts estimated to be between 95 and 115
knots. The wind sensors were blown away during the storm and
there is no official record of the maximum gust. The highest
official wind recorded was 76 knots in 1969. In 1991 another
major storm moved through the area. The highest gust generated
by this storm was 95 knots. Measurable precipitation occurs on
an average of 18 days per month, with half of these associated
_with frozen precipitation.
/The hours of daylight increase from seven hours and seven
rinutes on Feb. 1 to 10 hours and one minute on Feb. 28.
Average temperature
Average max. temperature
Average min. temperature
Extreme max. temperature
Extreme min. temperature
Dominant wind direction
Average wind speed
Extreme max. gust
Average snowfall
Max. 24 hr snowfall
Max. monthly snowfall
33F/1C
37F/3C
29F/-2C
48F/8C (1982)
1F/-17C (1969)
Northeast
14.4 knots (16 mph)
95 knots (109 mph) (1991)
12.8 inches
11.5 inches (1959)
55 inches
Information provided by Naval Oceanography Command
Facility.