I wanted to take a moment to highlight some of the items that have been brought up in the Cyberflash recently and are worthy of reiterating.
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, and with it the anniversary of LCDR Schweitzer's death, I want to also take a minute to remind all of us to be extremely grateful for what we have; to always strive to be kind; to know that there is no harm in asking for help; to remember our commitment to watch ourselves and others carefully for signs of stress and take action when needed.
Be kind to yourself and all those entrusted to your care.
CAPT Anne K. Lynch, NOAA
Director, CPC
21 Nov 2017 | BOTC 130 Graduation |
04 - 08 Dec 2017 | CO/XO Conference |
08 - 12 Jan 2018 | Mid Grade Week One |
CDR Mark Sweeney | 01 Dec 2017 |
LT Reni Rydlewicz | 01 Dec 2017 |
ENS Kaitlyn Seberger | 15 Dec 2017 |
LT Alexander Johnston | 29 Dec 2017 |
CAPT William Odell | 01 Jan 2018 |
LCDR Jonathan French | 01 Feb 2018 |
LCDR Madeleine Adler | 01 Mar 2018 |
LT Anna-Elizabeth Villard-Howe | 01 Mar 2018 |
LCDR Jennifer Pralgo | 01 Mar 2018 |
The OCS 1-18/BOTC 130 graduation will be broadcasted via livestream for those who will be unable to attend on Tuesday, November 21, 2017. Below is the livestream link for your situational awareness:
https://livestream.com/CGA/events/7937568
In support of the upcoming BRS Opt-in period, Thrift Savings Plan is offering up two webinars to increase awareness and understanding. The first webinar is focused on BRS and TSP, however all officers are encouraged to attend the second webinar as it pertains to TSP in both BRS and the legacy retirement systems. Click on the links below to register for the session.
TSP Upcoming Sponsored Webinars
Both sessions will be recorded for viewing at later dates.
Please reach out to CDR Jeff Shoup, chiefcareermgmt.cpc@noaa.gov if you have any questions on BRS or the TSP webinars.
Next week kicks off this year's End of Year Package (EOYP)! This requirement is intended to assist CPC and officers in the maintenance of Officer Personnel Folders (OPF) and other personnel concerns, as we strive to continually enhance our customer service. EOYP link will be found within your OPF notification section and available to officers through February 4, 2018. Login and get started today! Contact LT Laura Gibson with any questions or concerns throughout the process.
The NOAA Corps Director has designated the response to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria as national response operations for the period of August 23 - October 1, 2017. Are you or any officers you supervise eligible for the NOAA Corps National Response Deployment Medal (NRDM) or the National Response Service Ribbon (NRSR)? Check out NOAA Corps Directives Chapter 12, 12705C and 12705J respectively for eligibility requirements and ensure that the efforts of individuals are properly recognized when they go above and beyond normal duties.
If you have Prior Military Service you may benefit from having a record of your Prior Military Records. The following website you can order a copy of your records from your perspective military service. NOAA Corps Payroll does everything possible to make sure all of your time is recorded and that you're getting the correct pay for ALL of your military service.
https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/
The backbone of the fleet is the cadre of longtime maritime employees who have dedicated their lives to serving with NOAA today, the old Coast and Geodetic Survey, and the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries vessels of yesteryear. Among the finest of those who served was Chief Boatswain Robert C. Savage. Savage served with the Coast and Geodetic Survey for 40 years, starting on the Oceanographer in 1930 and subsequently seventeen additional ships. His last ship was the then new Mt. Mitchell before retirement in 1970. Along the way he helped train hundreds of new C&GS officers, some of which would become admirals. Savage shared some of his wisdom in a 1970 interview:
"Never be in a hurry. Take your time and you will get there and the job done quicker and safer.
"Safety first aboard a survey vessel depends on good, alert petty officers and leading men.... Due to hazardous work and new crew at the start of each field season, petty officers and leading men have to be alert and on their toes.
"A leading man should never get mad and yell at his crew if they make a mistake. This could cause an accident. Take them aside and show them their mistake. Then show them the way to do the job.
"Never take things for granted. Inspect. Be sure, not sorry.
"Keep alert at all times when standing anchor or lookout watch.... The safety of your ship may depend on you.
"Safety first aboard ship is everyone's job. Be alert. Think before you act.
"Have patience and train your crew. A well-trained crew is a safe crew."
Bos'n Savage's advice is as pertinent today as it was nearly 50 years ago.
Enjoy and congratulations on "celebrating a century of service"!