Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan

Photo by Sgt. Randall Whiteman - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Manuel A. Lopezchavez, the meteorological & oceanographic platoon sergeant with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, and a native of Florida, poses for a photo after receiving the METOC Marine of the Year Award at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, March. 25, 2025. Enlisted METOC Marines who have excelled in their field are given the METOC Marine of the Year Award in recognition of their achievement and merit. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Randall Whiteman)

A large 300-gram weather balloon floats slowly into the atmosphere while carrying a small but heavy Rawinsonde here Oct. 19. The Rawinsonde collects data from the time it is released until the radio transmission is disconnected and the balloon bursts. This data allows Marines the opportunity to forecast weather and understand atmospheric stablity. - A large 300-gram weather balloon floats slowly into the atmosphere while carrying a small but heavy Rawinsonde here Oct. 19. The Rawinsonde collects data from the time it is released until the radio transmission is disconnected and the balloon bursts. This data allows Marines the opportunity to forecast weather and understand atmospheric stablity.