Shipmates,
As we continue to celebrate the centennial anniversary of our Service with a Mess Night in Honolulu for our Hawaii-based officers, it is quite fitting to recognize and celebrate the anniversary of the USCG, our closest sea going relative in the Uniformed Services, on the celebration of their 227th birthday today. In my previous assignment, I had the good fortune to immerse myself in Coast Guard programs, history, and culture. I saw first-hand not only the vast potential for expanding collaboration to further economic, security, and resilience benefits to our Nation, but also how deep and intertwined the roots of our organizations truly are. The following "bonus history lesson" is excerpted and slightly modified from the 2014 USCG and NOAA Cooperative Maritime Strategy, available here.
From the start of the Revenue Cutter Service, Alexander Hamilton instructed the Commanding Officers of the original 10 revenue cutters to: "…be rendered an instrument of useful information, concerning the coast, inlets, bays and rivers of the United States, and it will be particularly acceptable if the officers improve the opportunities they have…in the interests of navigation, reporting the result, from time to time to the Treasury." With this statement, the Revenue Marine marked obstructions, sounded channels, and surveyed coastal topography to aid navigation from 1790 into the late 19th century. These activities advanced interests of commerce and revenue generation. Congress later passed a resolution to conduct a survey of the entire U.S. coast and produce accurate nautical charts.
The NOAA Corps' (and NOAA's) oldest recognized ancestor was created on February 10, 1807, when President Thomas Jefferson approved the Congressional resolution to survey the coast. The Survey of the Coast was created to promote "lives of our seamen, the interest of our merchants and the benefits to revenue." The Survey of the Coast applied scientific rigor and new technologies to the task of producing accurate charts, marking a radical advance in navigation safety, and making the Survey of the Coast the Nation's first scientific agency.
Enhancing navigation safety is the oldest and deepest common bond between the Coast Guard and NOAA. The U.S. Coast Survey developed the standard color-coding of navigational buoys, which gave rise to the sailor's adage "red, right, returning." The U.S. Coast Survey was responsible for the placement of Lighthouses in the United States from 1851 until President Roosevelt transferred the Lighthouse Service to the Coast Guard in 1939. The first Commissioner of the Lighthouse Service under the authority of the Coast Guard was George Putnam, an inspirational figure from U.S. Coast Survey history.
Numerous examples of agency collaboration serve to remind us of our legacy of collaboration. In 1867, George Davison of the U.S. Coast Survey, sailed to Alaska aboard the U.S. Revenue Cutter LINCOLN. While aboard, he generated a report that influenced Congress to purchase the Alaska Territory. Beginning in 1892, the U.S. Revenue Cutter BEAR and the U.S. Fish Commission Steamer ALBATROSS participated in Bering Sea patrols to deter poaching of fur seals by foreign fleets. During World War II, U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey (USC&GS) personnel flew photogrammetry missions aboard Coast Guard aircraft. Some perished alongside their Coast Guard air crews. Our history is rich in cooperation, aligned interests, courage, and even personal sacrifice in service to the Nation.
So I encourage you to take note of the birthday of the USCG and if you see a Coastie, wish them happy birthday. In doing so we not only recognize one of our closest "cousins" in the sea services, we honor the selfless service of our shipmates who stood the watch before us, we respect their sacrifice and their legacy that serves as our touchstone of service to our Nation, and we recognize the commitment off all who have solemnly sworn or affirmed to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.
Semper paratus and semper serviens,
CAPT Amilynn E. Adams, NOAA
Director, CPC
| 4 - 7 Sep 2017 | USCGC EAGLE Public Outreach Events, Alexandria, VA |
| 5 Sep 2017 | USCGC EAGLE Guadalcanal Remembrance Event, Alexandria, VA |
| 13 Oct 2017 | BOTC 130 Billet Night |
| 21 Nov 2017 | BOTC 130 Graduation |
| LTJG Sean Luis | 18 Aug 2017 |
| LT Jasmine Cousins | 01 Sep 2017 |
| LT Michael Marino | 01 Sep 2017 |
| LT Andrea Proie | 15 Sep 2017 |
| CDR Matthew Wingate | 01 Oct 2017 |
| RADM David Score | 01 Nov 2017 |
| LCDR Denise Gruccio | 01 Nov 2017 |
| LCDR Brian Prestcott | 01 Nov 2017 |
| ENS Timothy Brown | 12 Dec 2017 |
| ENS Kaitlyn Seberger | 15 Dec 2017 |
This from the February 1982 ACO Newsletter:
Promotions and career advancement are always a hot topic, but in the early years of the Coast and Geodetic Survey the promise of career advancement seemed beyond reach for many. If you long for the 'Good Old Days', the following testimony was given by E. Lester Jones, Father of the Corps, in November 1921 on the subject of Readjustment of Service Pay for Coast and Geodetic Survey Officers.
"There are no permanent shore or office positions open to any of these commissioned officers, and less than 10 per cent of the officers on the active list now occupy office positions, including those on duty at Washington and at field stations. All others are afloat (70 percent) or field work ashore (20 percent)..."
From a statement in relation to a proposed Bill to Regulate the Appointment and Promotion of Commissioned Officers of the Coast and Geodetic Survey, the following refers to a group of 23 officers who entered the service in late 1930 (note: voluntary retirement prior to age 64 was not permitted at that time):
"They will know that there will only be 4 retirements for age up to July 1, 1945 - over 14 years hence -- and that, as a consequence, only 4 of them can be promoted to the next higher grade in that time. The remaining 19 must serve a total of 15 to 21 years in that -- the lowest -- grade without any hope of promotion. In the grade immediately above, they see that the 28 officers at the bottom of that grade must serve a total of from 25 to 29 years from 1930 before promotion."
Perhaps the bill did not pass, or because of the depression years, promotion remained stagnant. In 1940, there were 14 ensigns with 10 years service and 21 Lieutenants (j.g.) with 15 years service. The average original appointment of active duty Captains had been in 1904. The Second World War accelerated promotions to more normal levels although there have been periods of both rapid expansion and seemingly stagnated promotions since.
It is with great pleasure that CPC announces the promotions of the following officers to the rank of Lieutenant (junior grade) effective August 1, 2017:
| LTJG Philip J. Manougian |
| LTJG Matthew W. Bissell |
| LTJG Kyle C. Cosentino |
| LTJG Benjamin C. Kaiser |
| LTJG Christopher S. Gallagher |
| LTJG Brian C. Yannutz |
| LTJG Tyler P. Fifield |
| LTJG Marybeth Head |
| LTJG Kathryn A. Richwine |
Congratulations on your well-deserved advancement!
BOTC 130 is officially underway! On Monday, July 24, 2017, CAPT Adams administered the Oath of Office to 17 new officers. These Ensigns come from 11 different states with backgrounds in diverse fields such as Meteorology, Geology, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, and Biology, just to name a few.
The students are currently undergoing the indoctrination phase of the program, which places heavy emphasis on teamwork, discipline, and reaction to stress. They are looking forward to beginning their Basic Seamanship and Navigation courses next week, and will continue to focus on their professional development in areas such as time management, attention to detail, and proper wear of the uniform.
Dates to look forward to include Billet Night on October 13 and Graduation on November 21.
Our thanks to everyone in CPC and NCOTC for their assistance in getting these individuals processed and prepared for training. Congratulations BOTC 130!
CPC welcomed Debra Livramento to CPC (and back to NOAA) earlier this week. Debra is serving as our new Administrative Assistant, replacing Angela Smith who recently accepted a permanent federal position. Debra has previously served in the DUS-O office during the tenure of VADM Devany. We're very excited to have Debra back in NOAA. Welcome aboard Debra. We're glad you're back in the NOAA ohana.
I was always told when visiting Silver Spring to stick your head into the Admiral's office and have a little face time. Unfortunately, we can't all get to Silver Spring and sit down with OMAO Senior Leadership; therefore, we would like to bring them to you. Admiral Score has agreed to sit down and tell us a little bit about himself. On Wednesday, August 16, at 1500 EDT, CPC will be hosting a webinar session with Admiral Score. Please save the date to get to know your leadership.
Provided for the good of the order, and for your own reflection and growth is a reflective/group discussion exercise put forth by LTJG Jessica Senzer. LTJG Senzer is currently assigned to the Antarctic Ecosystem Research Division at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center. CAPT Adams had the pleasure of participating in the SWFSC ward room meeting while on TDY back in May where this cadre of officers discussed the exercise. CPC is disseminating this exercise with the intent of spurring meaningful conversations regarding attributes of perseverance, grit, and leadership "mindsets." LTJG Senzer's instructions (lightly edited for clarity) follow:
To build on recent discussions of leadership and health, take about 6 minutes and watch this short Ted Talk about grit, perseverance, and the growth mindset.
Then take this quick 8 question quiz to get a simple assessment of your mindset at this point, with some information and insight tailored to you.
And last, take a look at this informative graphic comparing growth vs fixed mindsets.
NOAA Corps Officers with 12 or less years of service on December 31, 2017 are required to take the Uniformed Services Blended Retirement System (BRS) Opt-In Course by October 31, 2017.
Background
Between January 1 and December 31, 2018, officers with less than 12 years of service as of December 31, 2017 will have the option to opt-in to the new, Uniformed Services Blended Retirement System (BRS). The OMAO Chief Learning Officer has assigned the Uniformed Services Blended Retirement System Opt-in Course in CLC to those officers eligible to opt-in. This course is the same training that is available on the Joint Knowledge
Online (JKO) training portal but allows easier access and tracking of completions. The entire course/curricula is estimated to take 1 hour and 30 minutes. If you have already completed the course on JKO, please contact CPC at cpc.training@noaa.gov and provide your course certificate.
Note: before being able to opt-in to the Blended Retirement System (via Direct Access) you will be required to self-certify that you have, in fact, completed the training.
Course Details
Officers who are required to take the course already have it assigned to them in their CLC 'Assigned Training'. Officers are to complete the training in the CLC learning management system. The class can also be found by searching for Uniformed Services Blended Retirement and request the curricula:
It is recommended that you take this class using Internet Explorer. If you have issues with the curricula, please contact the Learning Office at omao.clc@noaa.gov.
BRS opt-in eligible officers are strongly advised and highly encouraged to seek additional personal financial planning guidance and/or supplemental classes at military bases or via many commercial vendors. The importance and significance of this opportunity and it's impact on your future financial well-being can not be understated. Email cpc.training@noaa.gov for more information or specific guidance.
Thanks to the continuing efforts by CAPT Lynch and LCDR Wattam, and with special thanks to Ms. Anna Rhodes at Fleet and Family Support Center at the Naval Support Activity – Bethesda, we have been able to identify and ensure access to military family support services for NOAA Corps Officers and their dependents. This list of locations is intended to coincide with our largest NOAA Corps population "centers" but is not all inclusive.
With the upcoming Blended Retirement System (BRS) opt-in period rapidly approaching (on January 1, 2018 eligible officers may opt-in to BRS) these centers of family and member support can assist with locating financial planning assistance to help members decide whether the legacy retirement system or the new BRS system is right for them and their long-term financial goals.
While conducting the Gulf of Maine Shrimp Survey, NOAA R/V Gloria Michelle (F7201) rendered assistance to a recreational fishing vessel in distress experiencing mechanical and electronic failures 26 nautical miles offshore of Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
At approximately 1100, ENS Christopher S. Gallagher overheard the fishing vessel hail USCG on VHF Channel 16, requesting towing assistance from the north edge of Jeffrey's Ledge. ENS Gallagher woke Officer in Charge (OIC), LTJG Reynaga, and the two listened to the radio exchange. The vessel in distress reported no propulsion or access to a towing service as it drifted, not under command. The USCG requested a position update and the operator provided inaccurate coordinates indicating signs of disorientation. At 1133, USCG hailed R/V Gloria Michelle requesting assistance in locating the vessel in distress and to provide any onsite support until a response vessel could arrive. R/V Gloria Michelle broke from trawling operations and began transit to Jeffrey's Ledge in search of the fishing vessel. An hour later the vessel was located and the position relayed to the USCG boat 47294. The distressed crew member was in need of medical attention and was immediately transferred to R/V Gloria Michelle. At 1312 the USCG Cutter 47294 was on site. At 1320 the fisherman was safely transferred to the Coast Guard and R/V Gloria Michelle returned to work.
The entire R/V Gloria Michelle complement worked cohesively to locate and assist the fishing vessel in distress and provide medical assistance to a fellow mariner. Congratulations to LTJG Andrew Reynaga, ENS Christopher S. Gallagher, Chief Scientist Peter Chase and all of the personnel aboard R/V Gloria Michelle for their effort to rescue a fishermen in distress!
The Recruiting Branch would like to thank everyone who played a role in the recruiting process for BOTC 131 from attending recruiting events and conducting regional interviews. We had 67 completed applications and the Selection Board convenes in mid-August to select new officers.
Aircraft Operations Center (AOC) is looking for an ambitious O-3 from the marine side to assume the responsibilities within the AOC Safety, Training and Standardization Branch. The Officer will provide continuity for the office while other office personnel are deployed on project missions. The Safety Officer will be stationed at AOC in Lakeland, FL and have a major role in the day to day operations of the Safety Office and AOC.
The officer occupying this position will carry out staff responsibilities including: serving as one of the principle advisors on safety, interpreting and incorporating new and revised laws, regulations and directives, composing guidance, procedures and policies, and investigate aircraft/facility mishaps and hazard reports. The safety officer also reviews and routes Operational Risk Management (ORM) documents for approval.
The incumbent will lead civilian and NOAA Corps personnel in an assortment of long and short term projects in addition to their normal duties. Duties of the position are designed to develop and sharpen a wide variety of skills including; project management, budgeting, leadership, communication, task execution and problem solving. Officers interested in this assignment, should update preferences and contact the Assignment Coordinator. The billet is expected to be vacant in late 2018 and for additional information please consult the billet description.
Enjoy and congratulations on "celebrating a century of service"!