Joseph Fletcher
American Meteorological Society Oral History Project
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On March 19, 1991, William W. Kellogg interviews Joseph O. Fletcher, who shares detailed accounts of his career in meteorology and atmospheric research, beginning with his early experiences in the Army Air Corps and continuing through his contributions during World War II. Fletcher describes his work with the Signal Corps, his transition to the Air Weather Service, and his role in pioneering microwave radar applications for weather detection and reconnaissance. He recounts assignments involving advanced radar-equipped aircraft for anti-submarine patrols, upper atmospheric data collection, and weather reconnaissance. Fletcher reflects on his time overseeing Arctic operations, including the discovery of "T-3" or Fletcher’s Ice Island, a drifting ice platform in the Arctic that became a crucial research base for Arctic studies. He discusses the logistical challenges, interactions with Canadian and Danish authorities, and collaboration with Russian scientists. His narrative highlights the innovations and challenges of atmospheric research in extreme conditions and the legacy of early radar meteorology initiatives in modern scientific practice.
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