Professor Michael Garstang is passing the torch of Chief Editor with this issue of the Journal of Applied Meteorology (JAM). Professor Garstang served as Chief Editor for five years and served two years before that as Editor. During his tenure, four special issues were published, and he led JAM through the initial period of electronic submissions. We thank Mike for the enormous contribution of time, effort, and energy he has given to the American Meteorological Society (AMS) community to maintain the high standard and quality that the Journal of Applied Meteorology has earned over the years. We also extend thanks to Michele Jarman, Mike's editorial assistant, for her unceasing efforts to make JAM efficient. It has been a real pleasure to work with Michele, and we will all miss her expertise.
With this issue, we also welcome Professor Christian Kummerow to the editorial staff. Chris joins Drs. David Martin, David Kristovich, and Marvin Wesely, who remain as JAM Editors.
The Journal of Applied Meteorology is beginning its 42d year serving the atmospheric science community. As we move into the coming years, we are working with the AMS to continue to streamline the publication process at JAM. We ask both the authors and the dedicated scientists who serve as reviewers of manuscripts to meet deadlines. Authors can save time by ensuring that their manuscripts conform to the guidelines given at the Author's Resource Center on the AMS Web site (http://www.ametsoc.org/AMS/). We encourage authors to take advantage of electronic submissions, which can save weeks in comparison with ordinary mail.
We look forward to working with you and carrying on the tradition of excellence that JAM has earned in our community.
