Director's Message:

Welcome to BOTC 127

On Monday, January 4th, 2016, CAPT Caskey administered the NOAA Corps Oath to ten new officers. These ensigns come from ten different states and have various backgrounds in environmental science, marine biology, geology and aeronautical science.
Indoctrination was a success and we look forward to watching them succeed. They began training at NCOTC on January 6th.
Our thanks to everyone in CPC and NCOTC for their assistance in processing these individuals. Congratulations BOTC 127.


CAPT Lawrence T. Krepp, NOAA
Director, CPC

On the Horizon

08 January 2016 Uniform and Awards Board
11-15 January 2016 CO conference
28 January 2016 Command Advisory Working Group
08 February 2016 Officer Assignment Board
29 February 2016 Access to EOYP end

Approved Resignations, Separations and Retirements

ENS Katrina Poremba 31 January 2016
CAPT Debora Barr 01 February 2016
LT Kevin Michael 04 February 2016
LT Joshua Witmer 01 March 2016

NASA Astronaut Candidate Program

NASA's Astronaut Program is in the process of selecting the Astronaut Candidate Class of 2017. NOAA Corps officers who meet the minimum eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply through the USAJobs application open December 14, 2015 – February 18, 2016. Among the requirements are a bachelor's or higher degree in engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science or mathematics and at least three years of related, progressively responsible, professional experience obtained after degree completion, or at least 1,000 hours pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft. An advanced degree is desirable and may be substituted for part or the entire experience requirement. Detailed information can be found at https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/423817000.

More details about the full program can be found at the NASA website https://astronauts.nasa.gov/content/broch00.htm with a timeline for astronaut candidate selection for at https://astronauts.nasa.gov/content/timeline.htm. Be sure to bookmark this site if you are tracking this process.

Contact CDR Devin Brakob, Chief, Officer Career Management Division, at 301-713-7748 or chief.careermgmt.cpc@noaa.gov for information and before submitting an application.

NOAA Corps Policy Update

In an effort to better streamline NOAA Corps Directive and policy questions, Sherrita Irby, NOAA Corps Policy Program Manager, has created a policy email account. The account will be monitored daily. Officers are encouraged to utilize the account for any NOAA Corps Directive clarifications or questions that they may have. The email address is noaacorps.policy@noaa.gov.

Sherrita is also currently working with CPC IT staff to create a Policy Section on CPC's website. This section will provide NOAA Corps officers with snapshots of the directives currently being revised and provide a "brief" summary of the recommended changes. It will also allow officers to see the status of each chapter as it is going through the clearance process.

Command Advisory Working Group: CO and XO Assignments

The CAWG will meet on January 25, 2016, to make recommendations for Command and Executive Officer assignments. Any officer within 2 years of rotation could be considered for these ship assignments. Please ensure your assignment preferences are updated to reflect your latest interest. For any questions, please contact CDR Nicholas Chrobak at assignmentbranch.cpc@noaa.gov or by phone at 301-713-7694.

Direct Access Mailing Address

All NOAA officers are reminded to ensure your mailing address is current in Direct Access for the mailing of their W2s. If the address is not current the W2 will not be forwarded and a duplicate will need to be requested.

Notes from Payroll

We are requesting that all officers check midmonth payslips for the correct entitlements due to the legislative pay changes effective January 1, 2016. If you note a discrepancy or have any questions, please email Carol Holley at carol.holley@noaa.gov.

Any leave taken during the holidays will not be reflected on payslips until end month January.