What is the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps, and what is its primary function?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps, informally known as the NOAA Corps, is one of the eight federal uniformed services of the United States. It operates under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and is composed of scientifically and technically trained officers whose primary mission is to monitor oceanic and atmospheric conditions and support major waterways.

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

The NOAA Corps and the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps are the only two U.S. uniformed services that exclusively comprise commissioned officers, meaning they do not have enlisted personnel or warrant officers.

When was the NOAA Corps established, and what was its original predecessor organization?

The NOAA Corps traces its origins to the establishment of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps on May 22, 1917, which is recognized as the service's official founding date.

How has the name of the NOAA Corps evolved since its inception?

The service originated as the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps in 1917. It was subsequently redesignated as the Environmental Science Services Administration Corps in 1965, and finally became the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps (NOAA Corps) in 1970.

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

The NOAA Corps is the smallest of the eight uniformed services of the United States government, with over 300 commissioned officers.

What diverse range of scientific and technical disciplines are represented by NOAA Corps officers?

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

Beyond operating NOAA ships and aircraft, what other roles do NOAA Corps officers fulfill?

NOAA Corps officers manage research projects, conduct diving operations, and serve in various staff positions within NOAA. They also hold positions in other federal entities such as the United States Merchant Marine, the Department of Defense, the United States Coast Guard, NASA, and the Department of State.

How does the NOAA Corps serve a role in national defense during times of war and peace?

Similar to its predecessors, the NOAA Corps provides a source of technically skilled officers who can be integrated into the United States Armed Forces during wartime. In peacetime, they support defense requirements in addition to their scientific projects, and if called to active duty, they would function as a department within one of the U.S. Armed Forces branches.

What was the historical context for the creation of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps in 1917?

The U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps was established on May 22, 1917, to provide commissioned status to its officers. This was intended to prevent them from being executed as spies if captured during World War I, as per the laws of war, and to ensure a pool of skilled surveyors could be readily utilized by the U.S. Armed Forces.

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

Before World War I concluded, over half of the Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps officers served in the Army, Navy, or Marine Corps. Their duties included artillery orientation, minelaying in the North Sea, navigation aboard troop transports, intelligence work, and staff positions for commanding officers like General John Pershing.

What was the significance of Rear Admiral Raymond S. Patton's career in the Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps?

Rear Admiral Raymond S. Patton was the first flag officer in the Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps history. He served as Director from 1929 until his death in 1937, holding the rank of captain until his promotion to rear admiral in 1936.

How did the Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps participate during World War II?

During World War II, over half of the Coast and Geodetic Survey officers were transferred to other branches of the U.S. armed forces, serving in various technical and operational roles across multiple theaters of war, including North Africa, Europe, and the Pacific. They also supported the defense of North America.

When was the Environmental Science Services Administration (ESSA) established, and what was its relationship to the NOAA Corps' predecessor?

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

Who was the first director of the ESSA Corps, and what was his significance?

Rear Admiral James C. Tison Jr. was the first director of the ESSA Corps. He concurrently served as the Director of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey from 1965 to 1968.

When did the ESSA Corps become the NOAA Corps, and who was its first director?

The ESSA Corps was redesignated as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps (NOAA Corps) when ESSA was replaced by NOAA on October 3, 1970. Rear Admiral Harley D. Nygren was appointed as the first director of the new NOAA Corps.

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

In 1972, the NOAA Corps became the first U.S. uniformed service to recruit women on the same basis as men, commissioning Ensign Pamela Chelgren as the first female officer.

What was notable about Pamela Chelgren's career progression within the NOAA Corps?

Pamela Chelgren, the first female commissioned officer in the NOAA Corps, achieved the highest shipboard posting for a woman in the U.S. uniformed services up to that time when she became operations officer aboard the NOAA research ship NOAAS Peirce in 1977.

Who was the second vice admiral in the history of the NOAA Corps and its predecessors, and what position did they hold?

Michael S. Devany was the second person to achieve the rank of vice admiral in the combined history of the Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps, ESSA Corps, and NOAA Corps. He attained this rank upon becoming the Deputy Under Secretary for Operations at NOAA in January 2014.

Who was the first woman to achieve the rank of vice admiral in the NOAA Corps' lineage, and when did this occur?

Nancy A. Hann became the first woman and the third person overall to achieve the rank of vice admiral in the combined history of the Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps, ESSA Corps, and NOAA Corps when she assumed the position of Deputy Under Secretary for Operations, NOAA, on July 15, 2024.

Who was the first director of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps?

Ernest L. Jones served as the first director of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps from 1917 until his death in 1929. He had previously been the Superintendent of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey since 1915.

Who was the first woman and first African-American to serve as Director of the NOAA Corps?

Rear Admiral Evelyn J. Fields was the first woman and the first African-American in the combined history of the Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps, ESSA Corps, and NOAA Corps to hold the position of director, serving from 1999 to 2003.

What are the standard commissioned officer ranks used by the NOAA Corps?

The NOAA Corps utilizes the same naval commissioned officer ranks as the United States Navy, United States Coast Guard, and United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, ranging from Ensign (O-1) up to Vice Admiral (O-9).

Are NOAA Corps officers' rank appointments and promotions confirmed by the U.S. Senate?

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

Where do new NOAA Corps officers receive their basic officer training?

New NOAA Corps officers, unless transferring from another uniformed service, are appointed via direct commission and must complete a 19-week basic officer training class (BOTC) at the United States Coast Guard Officer Candidate School, located at the United States Coast Guard Academy.

How do NOAA Corps uniforms compare to those of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard?

For formal occasions, NOAA Corps officers wear the same Service Dress Blues and Service Dress Whites as the U.S. Navy, but with NOAA Corps insignia. For daily work uniforms, they wear the same Operational Dress Uniform (ODU) as the U.S. Coast Guard, also with NOAA Corps insignia.

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

The red triangle on the NOAA Corps flag symbolizes the discipline of triangulation, a technique historically used in hydrographic surveying, which was also featured on the flags of its predecessor organizations, the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey and ESSA.

When did the NOAA Corps adopt its official flag, and what is unique about it?

The NOAA Corps adopted its distinctive flag on March 7, 2002, making it the last of the then-seven uniformed services to have its own flag. The flag features a navy blue background with a white circle containing the corps' name and founding year, and a red triangle symbolizing triangulation.

What was the first official service song of the NOAA Corps, and when was it adopted?

In 1988, the NOAA Corps adopted the march "Forward with NOAA" as its first official service song.

What is the current official service song of the NOAA Corps?

In 2017, the NOAA Corps adopted a sea chanty titled "Into the Oceans and the Air" as its new official service song.

What specific U.S. Code section governs the potential militarization of the NOAA Corps?

The President of the United States can militarize NOAA Corps officers under the provisions of 33 U.S. Code § 3061, which allows for the transfer of NOAA vessels, equipment, stations, and officers to a military department during a national emergency.

What types of aircraft are flown by the NOAA Corps?

The NOAA Corps flies several types of aircraft, including the Lockheed WP-3D Orion, Gulfstream G-IV, Beechcraft Super King Air (350CER & 360CER), and the De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter.

What is the motto of the NOAA Corps?

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

What are the official colors associated with the NOAA Corps?

The NOAA Corps colors are represented by navy blue, a lighter blue, and white.

What is the informal nickname for the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps?

The NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps is informally known as the "NOAA Corps."

What historical event led to the withdrawal of U.S. Navy officers from Coast Survey duty, never to return?

During the American Civil War, U.S. Navy officers were withdrawn from Coast Survey duty and did not return afterward, marking a shift in the Survey's staffing.

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

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is overseen by the United States Department of Commerce.

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

The garrison or headquarters for the NOAA Corps is located in Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.

What are the current approximate numbers for officers, ships, and aircraft associated with the NOAA Corps?

The NOAA Corps currently has approximately 330 officers, operates 15 ships, and utilizes 10 aircraft.

What is the significance of the year '1917' inscribed on the NOAA Corps flag?

The year '1917' inscribed on the NOAA Corps flag refers to the founding year of its original predecessor, the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps.

What does the insignia within the triangle on the NOAA Corps flag represent?

The insignia within the triangle on the NOAA Corps flag represents the NOAA Corps itself, signifying its unique identity and role within the service.

What is the relationship between the NOAA Corps' rank structure and that of the U.S. Navy?

The NOAA Corps uses the same naval commissioned officer ranks as the United States Navy, including ranks from Ensign up to Vice Admiral, ensuring consistency in structure and hierarchy.

What is the purpose of the 'Authority control databases' section for the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps?

The 'Authority control databases' section provides links to external databases like VIAF, FAST, and Library of Congress, which catalog and manage information about the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps, ensuring consistency and discoverability of its official data.

What is the role of the Bureau of Industry and Security within the Department of Commerce, and who oversees it?

The Bureau of Industry and Security is overseen by the Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security. Its functions likely relate to trade and security regulations, though the specific details are not elaborated in this text.

What is the significance of the NOAA Corps' participation in the 'War on Terror'?

The inclusion of the 'War on Terror' in the list of engagements indicates that NOAA Corps officers have been involved in supporting national security objectives related to counter-terrorism efforts, likely through their scientific and operational expertise.

What specific aircraft types are mentioned as being operated by the NOAA Corps?

The NOAA Corps operates aircraft including the WP-3D Orion, G-IV, Beechcraft Super King Air (350CER & 360CER), and the DHC-6-300 Twin Otter.

What historical event caused the U.S. Navy to withdraw its officers from the Coast Survey in April 1898?

The U.S. Navy withdrew its officers from Coast Survey assignments in April 1898 due to the outbreak of the Spanish-American War.

What was the outcome for Coast Surveyors who supported the Union Army during the Civil War if captured by Confederates?

Coast Surveyors supporting the Union Army were given assimilated military rank but, if captured by Confederates, ran the risk of being executed as spies.

What is the purpose of the NOAA Corps' existence as a uniformed service?

The NOAA Corps exists as a uniformed service to provide a cadre of officers with specialized scientific and technical skills, deployable for national missions, including support to the U.S. Armed Forces during wartime and peacetime operations.

What is the official website for the NOAA Corps?

The official website for the NOAA Corps is NOAA Corps.

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Corps Overview

A Unique Federal Service

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps, commonly known as the NOAA Corps, stands as one of the eight federal uniformed services of the United States. Operating under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a vital scientific agency within the Department of Commerce, the NOAA Corps comprises scientifically and technically proficient officers dedicated to critical environmental missions.

Officer-Centric Structure

Distinctively, the NOAA Corps and the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps are the only U.S. uniformed services composed exclusively of commissioned officers. They do not maintain enlisted or warrant officer ranks. This focused structure ensures a cadre of highly trained professionals prepared for specialized scientific and operational duties.

Core Mission Focus

The primary mandate of the NOAA Corps involves the critical tasks of monitoring oceanic conditions, supporting the navigability of major waterways, and observing atmospheric phenomena. These activities are fundamental to understanding and managing the nation's environmental resources and ensuring safety.

Mission and Operations

Maritime and Aviation Expertise

The NOAA Corps is instrumental in operating NOAA's fleet of ships and aircraft. These platforms are essential for conducting vital scientific research, surveys, and monitoring missions across the globe. Officers are trained in the specialized skills required for maritime and aviation operations in support of NOAA's scientific objectives.

Scientific and Technical Cadre

Comprising professionals trained in diverse fields such as engineering, earth sciences, oceanography, meteorology, and fisheries science, the NOAA Corps provides a unique blend of scientific knowledge and operational capability. This expertise allows them to manage complex research projects and conduct specialized operations, including diving.

Broad Service Contributions

Beyond direct NOAA operations, officers serve in critical staff positions throughout the agency. Furthermore, their expertise is leveraged across other governmental bodies, including the U.S. Merchant Marine, Department of Defense, Coast Guard, and the Department of State, demonstrating the Corps' versatility and national importance.

Historical Evolution

Origins in Surveying

The NOAA Corps traces its lineage back to the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, established in 1807. The formal precursor, the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps, was created on May 22, 1917. This strategic establishment provided commissioned status to officers, ensuring they would be treated as military personnel under the laws of war if captured during World War I, thereby preventing execution as spies.

Transitions and Realignments

The Corps underwent significant transformations, first becoming the Environmental Science Services Administration (ESSA) Corps in 1965 when the Coast and Geodetic Survey was integrated into ESSA. Subsequently, with the establishment of NOAA in 1970, it was redesignated as the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps.

1917: U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps established.
WWI & WWII: Officers served in various capacities within the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps.
1965: Redesignated as the ESSA Corps.
1970: Became the NOAA Corps upon NOAA's establishment.
1972: Became the first U.S. uniformed service to recruit women on equal footing with men.
2017: Celebrated its centennial anniversary.

Wartime Contributions

Throughout major conflicts, including World War I, World War II, and the Cold War, NOAA Corps officers were frequently called upon to serve within the armed forces. Their technical skills in surveying, navigation, and intelligence proved invaluable to military operations, underscoring the Corps' dual role in national defense and scientific advancement.

Organizational Structure

Rank Structure

The NOAA Corps utilizes the same commissioned officer ranks as the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, ranging from Ensign (O-1) up to Vice Admiral (O-9). While the rank of Admiral has been established by law, it has not yet been authorized for use by Congress. The highest rank attained thus far is Vice Admiral, held by only a few officers in the Corps' history.

Officer Training

New officers typically enter the Corps via direct commission after completing a rigorous Basic Officer Training Class (BOTC). This program, often conducted at the U.S. Coast Guard Officer Candidate School, equips candidates with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for service.

Compensation and Commissioning

NOAA Corps officers receive pay and benefits consistent with other U.S. uniformed services. Unlike members of the Armed Forces, their appointments and promotions generally require presidential approval rather than Senate confirmation, streamlining the process.

Officer Roles and Assignments

Fleet Operations

A significant number of NOAA Corps officers serve aboard the agency's fleet of research and survey vessels. They fulfill critical roles in navigation, engineering, and scientific support, ensuring the effective operation of these vital platforms for data collection and environmental monitoring.

Aviation Support

Officers also play key roles in NOAA's aviation operations, flying specialized aircraft equipped for atmospheric research, weather monitoring, and reconnaissance missions. This requires advanced piloting skills and a deep understanding of meteorological and environmental sciences.

Shore-Based and Interagency Assignments

Beyond operational duties, officers contribute significantly in shore-based positions throughout NOAA, managing programs and leading scientific initiatives. They also undertake assignments with other federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, Department of State, and NASA, applying their unique skill sets across a broader spectrum of national interests.

Uniforms and Insignia

Service Dress Uniforms

For formal occasions, the NOAA Corps adopts the U.S. Navy's Service Dress Blue and Service Dress White uniforms. These are distinguished by the distinctive NOAA Corps insignia, replacing standard Navy insignia, signifying the unique identity and heritage of the service.

Operational Dress Uniforms

For daily work, officers wear the Operational Dress Uniform (ODU), mirroring the U.S. Coast Guard's standard. Like the dress uniforms, ODUs feature NOAA Corps-specific insignia, ensuring clear identification and adherence to service standards.

Distinctive Insignia

Key insignia elements include the NOAA Corps Combination Cap device and the standard NOAA Corps device, often featuring motifs related to NOAA's mission, such as the sea, atmosphere, and scientific instruments. These symbols represent the Corps' dedication to science and service.

Leadership and Command

Current Leadership

The NOAA Corps is led by its Director, who also serves as the Deputy Under Secretary for Operations, NOAA. Currently, this role is held by Vice Admiral Nancy Hann, with Rear Admiral Chad M. Cary serving as the Director of the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps.

Historical Directors

The role of Director has been held by numerous distinguished officers since the Corps' inception. Notable figures include Rear Admiral Harley D. Nygren, the first Director of the NOAA Corps, and Rear Admiral Evelyn J. Fields, the first woman and first African-American to hold the position.

A comprehensive list of past Directors highlights the leadership lineage of the NOAA Corps:

No.	Name	Term	Notes
1	Ernest L. Jones	1917–1929	Superintendent/Director of C&GS
2	Raymond S. Patton	1929–1937	Director of C&GS; First flag officer
3	Leo O. Colbert	1938–1950	Director of C&GS
4	Robert F.A. Studds	1950–1955	Director of C&GS
5	H. Arnold Karo	1955–1965	Director of C&GS; First VADM in predecessor corps
6	James C. Tison Jr.	1965–1968	First Director, ESSA Corps
7	Don A. Jones	1968–1970	Last Director, ESSA Corps
8	Harley D. Nygren	1970–1981	First Director, NOAA Corps
9	Kelly E. Taggart	1981–1986
10	Francis D. Moran	1986–1990
11	Sigmund R. Petersen	1990–1995
12	William L. Stubblefield	1995–1999
13	Evelyn J. Fields	1999–2003	First female and African-American Director
14	Samuel P. De Bow Jr.	2003–2007
15	Jonathan W. Bailey	2007–2012
16	Michael S. Devany	2012–2014	Promoted to VADM
17	David A. Score	2014–2017
18	Michael J. Silah	2017–2021
19	Nancy A. Hann	2021–2024	Promoted to VADM
20	Chad M. Cary	2024–Present	Current Director

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References

As the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps.

Note: Also concurrently serves as Deputy Director for Operations, Office of Marine and Aviation Operations

[1] 10 USC 201. Pay grades: assignment to; general rules

[2] S.2388 â National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Amendments Act of 2012

A full list of references for this article are available at the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available data and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not official guidance. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for official NOAA documentation, policy directives, or consultation with qualified professionals. Always refer to official sources for the most current and accurate information regarding the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Navigating the Depths

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Corps Overview 🌊

🇺🇸 A Unique Federal Service

👨‍✈️ Officer-Centric Structure

🛰️ Core Mission Focus

Mission and Operations 🛰️

⚓ Maritime and Aviation Expertise

📊 Scientific and Technical Cadre

🌍 Broad Service Contributions

Historical Evolution 📜

⏳ Origins in Surveying

➡️ Transitions and Realignments

🎖️ Wartime Contributions

Organizational Structure ⚓

⚖️ Rank Structure

🎓 Officer Training

💰 Compensation and Commissioning

Officer Roles and Assignments 👨‍✈️

🚢 Fleet Operations

✈️ Aviation Support

🏛️ Shore-Based and Interagency Assignments

Uniforms and Insignia 👔

🔵 Service Dress Uniforms

🟢 Operational Dress Uniforms

⭐ Distinctive Insignia

Leadership and Command 👑

🏛️ Current Leadership

📅 Historical Directors

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Corps Overview

A Unique Federal Service

Officer-Centric Structure

Core Mission Focus

Mission and Operations

Maritime and Aviation Expertise

Scientific and Technical Cadre

Broad Service Contributions

Historical Evolution

Origins in Surveying

Transitions and Realignments

Wartime Contributions

Organizational Structure

Rank Structure

Officer Training

Compensation and Commissioning

Officer Roles and Assignments

Fleet Operations

Aviation Support

Shore-Based and Interagency Assignments

Uniforms and Insignia

Service Dress Uniforms

Operational Dress Uniforms

Distinctive Insignia

Leadership and Command

Current Leadership

Historical Directors

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice