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NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps: History and Operations

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The NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps: History and Operations Study Guide

Origins and Historical Development

The NOAA Corps traces its official founding date to the establishment of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps in 1917.

Answer: True

Explanation: The NOAA Corps officially traces its origins and founding date to May 22, 1917, with the establishment of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps.

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During World War I, over half of the Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps officers served in the Army, Navy, or Marine Corps.

Answer: True

Explanation: In the period leading up to the conclusion of World War I, more than half of the officers from the Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps were assigned to service within the Army, Navy, or Marine Corps.

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During World War II, over half of the Coast and Geodetic Survey officers were transferred to support various branches of the U.S. armed forces.

Answer: True

Explanation: During World War II, a significant portion, exceeding half, of the Coast and Geodetic Survey officers were reassigned to support diverse branches of the U.S. armed forces.

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The Environmental Science Services Administration (ESSA) was established on July 13, 1965, and the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey was transferred to it.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Environmental Science Services Administration (ESSA) was established on July 13, 1965, and the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey was subsequently transferred under its administration.

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The NOAA Corps traces its official founding date back to the establishment of which predecessor organization?

Answer: The United States Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps

Explanation: The NOAA Corps' official founding date is linked to the establishment of its predecessor, the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps, in 1917.

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What was the primary historical reason for establishing the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps in 1917?

Answer: To prevent officers from being executed as spies if captured during World War I.

Explanation: The U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps was established in 1917 primarily to ensure its officers would be treated as military personnel, not spies, if captured during World War I, thereby preventing their execution.

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How did officers of the Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps contribute during World War I?

Answer: They served in the Army, Navy, or Marine Corps in various technical and operational roles.

Explanation: During World War I, over half of the Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps officers served in the Army, Navy, or Marine Corps, undertaking roles such as artillery orientation, navigation, and staff positions.

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When was the Environmental Science Services Administration (ESSA) established, leading to the redesignation of the survey corps?

Answer: 1965

Explanation: The Environmental Science Services Administration (ESSA) was established on July 13, 1965, which led to the redesignation of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps as the ESSA Corps.

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What historical event led to the withdrawal of U.S. Navy officers from Coast Survey duty, resulting in their never returning to those assignments?

Answer: The American Civil War

Explanation: The American Civil War led to the withdrawal of U.S. Navy officers from Coast Survey duty, and they did not return to these assignments afterward.

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What risk did Coast Surveyors supporting the Union Army face if captured by Confederates during the Civil War?

Answer: They faced the risk of being executed as spies.

Explanation: Coast Surveyors who supported the Union Army during the Civil War, even if granted assimilated military rank, faced the risk of execution as spies if captured by Confederate forces.

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What event does the year '1917' inscribed on the NOAA Corps flag commemorate?

Answer: The founding year of its original predecessor, the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps.

Explanation: The year '1917' inscribed on the NOAA Corps flag signifies the founding year of its original predecessor organization, the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps.

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What historical event led to the withdrawal of U.S. Navy officers from Coast Survey duty, resulting in their never returning to those assignments?

Answer: The American Civil War

Explanation: The American Civil War caused the withdrawal of U.S. Navy officers from Coast Survey duty, and they were not reinstated in those roles thereafter.

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Mission, Roles, and Operations

The primary mission of NOAA Corps officers includes monitoring oceanic and atmospheric conditions and supporting major waterways.

Answer: True

Explanation: The core mission of NOAA Corps officers involves monitoring oceanic and atmospheric conditions and providing support for major waterways.

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NOAA Corps officers are professionals trained exclusively in meteorology and oceanography.

Answer: False

Explanation: NOAA Corps officers are trained in a diverse range of fields, including engineering, earth sciences, oceanography, meteorology, fisheries science, and other related scientific disciplines.

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NOAA Corps officers manage research projects, conduct diving operations, and serve in various staff positions within NOAA and other federal entities.

Answer: True

Explanation: Beyond operating ships and aircraft, NOAA Corps officers engage in managing research projects, conducting diving operations, and serving in diverse staff positions across NOAA and other federal agencies.

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New NOAA Corps officers receive their basic officer training at the U.S. Coast Guard Officer Candidate School.

Answer: True

Explanation: New NOAA Corps officers, unless transferring from another service, undergo basic officer training at the U.S. Coast Guard Officer Candidate School.

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The NOAA Corps operates aircraft including the WP-3D Orion and the Beechcraft Super King Air.

Answer: True

Explanation: The NOAA Corps utilizes various aircraft for its operations, including the WP-3D Orion and Beechcraft Super King Air models.

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What is the primary function of the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps?

Answer: To monitor oceanic and atmospheric conditions and support major waterways.

Explanation: The primary mission of the NOAA Corps officers is to monitor oceanic and atmospheric conditions and provide support for major waterways.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a discipline represented by NOAA Corps officers?

Answer: Aerospace engineering

Explanation: The source material lists disciplines such as engineering, earth sciences, oceanography, meteorology, and fisheries science as being represented by NOAA Corps officers, but not aerospace engineering.

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Beyond operating ships and aircraft, what is another significant role fulfilled by NOAA Corps officers mentioned in the source?

Answer: Managing research projects and conducting diving operations

Explanation: In addition to operating ships and aircraft, NOAA Corps officers manage research projects and conduct diving operations, among other roles.

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Which of the following aircraft is operated by the NOAA Corps?

Answer: Lockheed WP-3D Orion

Explanation: The Lockheed WP-3D Orion is among the aircraft operated by the NOAA Corps.

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Leadership and Personnel Milestones

Rear Admiral Raymond S. Patton was the first flag officer in the Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps history.

Answer: True

Explanation: Rear Admiral Raymond S. Patton holds the distinction of being the first flag officer in the history of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps.

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Rear Admiral Harley D. Nygren was the first director of the NOAA Corps.

Answer: True

Explanation: Rear Admiral Harley D. Nygren served as the inaugural director of the NOAA Corps upon its redesignation in 1970.

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In 1972, the NOAA Corps became the first U.S. uniformed service to recruit women on the same basis as men.

Answer: True

Explanation: The NOAA Corps achieved a significant milestone in 1972 by becoming the first U.S. uniformed service to recruit women under the same conditions as men.

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Pamela Chelgren, the first female NOAA Corps officer, later commanded a NOAA research ship.

Answer: False

Explanation: Pamela Chelgren, the first female officer, served as the operations officer aboard the NOAA research ship NOAAS Peirce, which was a significant shipboard posting for a woman at the time.

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Michael S. Devany was the second person to achieve the rank of Vice Admiral in the NOAA Corps lineage.

Answer: True

Explanation: Michael S. Devany attained the rank of Vice Admiral, making him the second individual in the combined history of the NOAA Corps and its predecessor organizations to reach this rank.

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Rear Admiral Nancy A. Hann is the first woman to achieve the rank of Vice Admiral in the NOAA Corps' history.

Answer: True

Explanation: Rear Admiral Nancy A. Hann made history as the first woman to achieve the rank of Vice Admiral within the NOAA Corps lineage.

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Rear Admiral Evelyn J. Fields was the first African-American to serve as Director of the NOAA Corps.

Answer: True

Explanation: Rear Admiral Evelyn J. Fields holds the distinction of being the first African-American, and also the first woman, to serve as Director of the NOAA Corps.

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Ernest L. Jones served as the first director of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps from 1917 until his death in 1929.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ernest L. Jones was the inaugural director of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps, serving in that capacity from 1917 until his passing in 1929.

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Who was the first flag officer in the history of the Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps?

Answer: Raymond S. Patton

Explanation: Rear Admiral Raymond S. Patton holds the distinction of being the first flag officer in the history of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps.

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Who was the first director of the NOAA Corps upon its redesignation in 1970?

Answer: Harley D. Nygren

Explanation: Rear Admiral Harley D. Nygren was appointed as the first director of the NOAA Corps when it was established in 1970, succeeding the ESSA Corps.

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What significant milestone did the NOAA Corps achieve in 1972 regarding gender inclusivity?

Answer: It became the first U.S. uniformed service to recruit women on the same basis as men.

Explanation: In 1972, the NOAA Corps set a precedent by becoming the first U.S. uniformed service to recruit women under the same terms as men.

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What position did Pamela Chelgren, the first female NOAA Corps officer, hold aboard the NOAAS Peirce in 1977?

Answer: Operations Officer

Explanation: Pamela Chelgren, the inaugural female officer in the NOAA Corps, served as the operations officer aboard the NOAA research ship NOAAS Peirce in 1977.

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Who was the second person to achieve the rank of Vice Admiral in the NOAA Corps lineage?

Answer: Michael S. Devany

Explanation: Michael S. Devany achieved the rank of Vice Admiral, marking him as the second individual in the combined history of the NOAA Corps and its predecessor organizations to reach this rank.

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Who holds the distinction of being both the first woman and the first African-American to serve as Director of the NOAA Corps?

Answer: Evelyn J. Fields

Explanation: Rear Admiral Evelyn J. Fields is recognized as the first woman and the first African-American to hold the position of Director of the NOAA Corps.

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Structure, Size, and Identity

The NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps is recognized as one of the eight federal uniformed services in the United States.

Answer: True

Explanation: The NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps is indeed one of the eight federal uniformed services in the United States.

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The NOAA Corps is one of only two U.S. uniformed services that exclusively comprise commissioned officers.

Answer: True

Explanation: The NOAA Corps, along with the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, are the only two U.S. uniformed services composed exclusively of commissioned officers.

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The NOAA Corps is the largest uniformed service in the United States government by personnel count.

Answer: False

Explanation: The NOAA Corps is the smallest of the eight U.S. uniformed services, comprising approximately 330 officers.

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NOAA Corps officers require U.S. Senate confirmation for their rank appointments and promotions.

Answer: False

Explanation: Unlike officers in the U.S. Armed Forces, NOAA Corps officers do not require U.S. Senate confirmation for their rank appointments and promotions; presidential approval is sufficient.

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For formal occasions, NOAA Corps officers wear the same Service Dress Blues and Whites as the U.S. Navy, but with NOAA Corps insignia.

Answer: True

Explanation: NOAA Corps officers utilize uniforms that closely mirror the U.S. Navy's Service Dress Blues and Whites for formal wear, distinguished by NOAA Corps insignia.

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The red triangle on the NOAA Corps flag symbolizes the scientific discipline of meteorology.

Answer: False

Explanation: The red triangle on the NOAA Corps flag symbolizes the technique of triangulation, historically used in hydrographic surveying.

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The NOAA Corps adopted its official flag on March 7, 2002, making it the last of the then-seven uniformed services to have its own flag.

Answer: True

Explanation: The NOAA Corps adopted its official flag on March 7, 2002, which was indeed the last among the then-seven uniformed services to receive its own distinct flag.

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The NOAA Corps adopted "Forward with NOAA" as its first official service song in 1988.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1988, the NOAA Corps officially adopted the march "Forward with NOAA" as its inaugural service song.

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The NOAA Corps motto is "Science, service, stewardship."

Answer: True

Explanation: The official motto adopted by the NOAA Corps is "Science, service, stewardship."

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The NOAA Corps headquarters is located in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Answer: True

Explanation: The garrison and headquarters for the NOAA Corps are situated in Silver Spring, Maryland.

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Which two U.S. uniformed services consist solely of commissioned officers?

Answer: NOAA Corps and U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps

Explanation: The NOAA Corps and the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps are the only two U.S. uniformed services that exclusively comprise commissioned officers.

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How does the NOAA Corps compare in size to other U.S. uniformed services?

Answer: It is the smallest of the eight uniformed services.

Explanation: The NOAA Corps is recognized as the smallest among the eight U.S. uniformed services, with a personnel count of approximately 330 officers.

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What does the red triangle on the NOAA Corps flag symbolize?

Answer: The technique of triangulation used in hydrographic surveying

Explanation: The red triangle featured on the NOAA Corps flag symbolizes the discipline of triangulation, a technique historically employed in hydrographic surveying.

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When was the official flag of the NOAA Corps adopted?

Answer: 2002

Explanation: The official flag of the NOAA Corps was adopted on March 7, 2002.

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What was the first official service song of the NOAA Corps, adopted in 1988?

Answer: "Forward with NOAA"

Explanation: The NOAA Corps adopted "Forward with NOAA" as its first official service song in 1988.

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What is the official motto of the NOAA Corps?

Answer: "Science, service, stewardship."

Explanation: The official motto of the NOAA Corps is "Science, service, stewardship."

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Where is the garrison or headquarters location for the NOAA Corps?

Answer: Silver Spring, Maryland

Explanation: The headquarters for the NOAA Corps is located in Silver Spring, Maryland.

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How do NOAA Corps uniforms compare to those of the U.S. Navy for formal occasions?

Answer: They use the same Service Dress Blues and Whites but with NOAA Corps insignia.

Explanation: For formal occasions, NOAA Corps officers wear uniforms that are identical to the U.S. Navy's Service Dress Blues and Whites, distinguished only by NOAA Corps insignia.

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Which government department oversees the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)?

Answer: Department of Commerce

Explanation: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) operates under the oversight of the United States Department of Commerce.

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What is the official motto of the NOAA Corps?

Answer: "Science, service, stewardship."

Explanation: The official motto adopted by the NOAA Corps is "Science, service, stewardship."

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Which statement accurately describes the promotion process for NOAA Corps officers?

Answer: Promotions are solely based on presidential approval, without Senate confirmation.

Explanation: Promotions for NOAA Corps officers are subject to presidential approval and do not require confirmation by the U.S. Senate.

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