NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps

The NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps (NOAA Corps) is one of the nations eight uniformed services. NOAA Corps officers are an integral part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, and serve with the special trust and confidence of the President.With over 330 officers, the NOAA Corps... serves throughout the agencys line and staff offices to support nearly all of NOAAs programs and missions. The combination of commissioned service and scientific expertise makes these officers uniquely capable of leading some of NOAAs most important initiatives.The NOAA Corps is part of NOAAs Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) and traces its roots to the former U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, which dates back to 1807 and President Thomas Jefferson. In 1970, NOAA was created to develop a coordinated approach to oceanographic and atmospheric research and subsequent legislation converted the commissioned officer corps to the NOAA Corps.The NOAA Corps today provides a cadre of professionals trained in engineering, earth sciences, oceanography, meteorology, fisheries science, and other related disciplines. Corps officers operate NOAAs ships, fly aircraft, manage research projects, conduct diving operations, and serve in staff positions throughout NOAA.Read More