collects data that can detect coronal mass ejections (and warn against a subsequent telecommunications outage, for example). Scientists, engineers, and offi - cers all are responsible for keeping DSCOVR and other satellites on track by monitoring and servicing their ground systems. This ensures critical data always are available for weather forecasts, emergency preparedness, and other environmental functions. “It’s one of the last great un-
knowns,” Odell says, “and we fi nd something new every time. Even though a lot of our satellites are based around planet Earth, we do have satellites out between the sun and the Earth. We’re fi nding out things all the time about how to operate out there. Looking back at the Earth, we fi nd out a lot of things about planet Earth.” One program shared between
NOAA and other partners is part satellite and part computer network. Known as the Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking System, it al- lows NOAA to save lives in real time when distressed mariners, aviators, and hikers signal for help. In 2016 alone, 307 people, including a fi shing crew of 46 in Alaska, were rescued from near-death situations. The most recent cause for celebra- tion at NESDIS was a batch of bril- liantly clear GOES-16 Earth images received in January. But this next- generation geostationary weather satellite provides more than better coverage and more detailed images — its novel lightning tracker can help increase tornado warning times by precious minutes. “It’s going to be a game changer,”
Odell says. “It’s really going to help out the nation and everyone on the planet.”
MO
— Willow Nero is a freelance writer based in Darmstadt, Germany. Her last feature for Military Offi cer magazine was “Back in the Fast Lane,” March 2017.
54 MILITARY OFFICER MAY 2017
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NOAA ships stand at the ready at Marine Operations Center Pacific, Newport, Ore.
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NOAA Aircraft Operations Center personnel assemble in front of several of the agency’s aircraft in November 2015.
NOAA CORPS BY THE NUMBERS
The U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps was established May 22, 1917. On Oct. 3, 1970, it became the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Commissioned Officer Corps.
Motto: Science, service, stewardship Headquarters: Silver Spring, Md. Colors: Blue and White Governing body: U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary of Commerce: Wilbur L. Ross Jr.
NOAA: Benjamin Friedman, performing the duties of undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere
Office of Marine and Aviation Operations: Rear Adm. David A. Score, director
NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps: Rear Adm. David A. Score, director
Active Duty: 321 NOAA Corps officers currently serve on ships and aircraft and in land-based billets.
Total NOAA personnel, including civilians: 12,000 NOAA fleet: 16 ships and nine aircraft
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