NOAA Corps officers,
First, I would like to congratulate all of the recently promoted officers and express my appreciation for the selfless service of those officers who have recently retired or separated.
Secondly, I want to thank CAPT Brakob for giving me the opportunity to share my perspective on "Service" in this Cyberflash. For 26 years, I adhered to my oath of office, complied with the core values, supported and defended the Constitution, and retired as a Captain in the United States Coast Guard. During that time, I tried to live my life by that oath and the Coast Guard's core values: Honor, Respect, and Devotion to duty. Throughout my career, these core values served as lines of demarcation, buoys, an edge, guard, and centerline lights to help keep me moving in the right direction and steer me clear of hazards during my on and off-duty hours. I have had to negotiate some significant wickets, in my professional and personal life, that were accompanied by significant sacrifice, similar to the ones that you all as NOAA Corps officers face as you continue to serve.
As a senior leader, I was afforded the opportunity to serve as the Special Assistant to the Vice Commandant, a Deputy Sector Commander, and as the Executive Assistant to the Assistant Commandant for Human Resources. In each position my primary role was to advise and assist the principal to whom I directly reported, similar to my role here at CPC. In providing my best military advice, the core values coupled with the applicable laws and regulations inform my recommendations while being ground-truthed and buttressed against the lives that would be impacted by an operational or service-wide policy decision.
In October 2018, I was afforded the opportunity to continue to serve my country as the CPC Deputy and support the men and women who also volunteered to wear the cloth of our Nation. I have also adopted your core values, Honor, Respect, and Commitment, to ensure that I am aligned with each officer, from the newly minted ensign to the Director of NOAA Corps. I periodically read the oath that I took upon starting my civilian career, as well as these core values. I read my oath of office as a reminder of my obligation, duty, and what the Nation expects of me and the core values help to keep my course true and independent of party or person. I challenge you and those under your charge to do the same. We all volunteered to serve and continue our service at the pleasure of the President and Commander in Chief and should all do so in the spirit of Honor, Respect, and Commitment.
Best regards,
Jason Merriweather
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard (ret.)
Deputy Director, Commissioned Personnel Center
| 16 Mar- 03 Apr 2020 | REFTRA 88 |
| 24 Mar 2020 | CO/XO Command Advisory Board |
| 26 Mar 2020 | BOTC 135 Billet Night |
| LT Matthew Bissell | 15 Mar 2020 |
| CDR Ryan Kidder | 01 Apr 2020 |
| LT David Reymore | 13 May 2020 |
| CAPT Elizabeth Kretovic | 01 Jun 2020 |
| LCDR Kevin Doremus | 17 Jun 2020 |
| CAPT David Zezula | 01 Jul 2020 |
| CDR Justin Kibbey | 01 Jul 2020 |
| LT Nikita Manougian | 01Aug 2020 |
| LTJG Tyler Fifield | 17 Aug 2020 |
In 1987, Congress declared March as National Women's History Month in perpetuity. A special Presidential Proclamation is issued every year which honors the extraordinary achievements of American women. The maritime industry is not always considered a woman's world but many females have found great success. At the end of 2019, a special women's highlights issue of The Coast Guard Journal of Safety & Security at Sea - Proceedings magazine showcases several of these women including NOAA Corps' own, CAPT Elizabeth Kretovic.
It is with great pleasure that CPC announces the promotion of Captain Michael Levine effective March 1, 2020. Bravo Zulu on your merited advancement!
Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) is looking for a highly motivated officer to serve aboard the 72' R/V Gloria Michelle at Woods Hole, MA. The JOIC serves under the Officer in Charge (OIC) and will work toward succession as the OIC upon successful completion of the JOIC assignment.
R/V Gloria Michelle is a bottom trawl vessel that has been conducting the Gulf of Maine Shrimp Survey and the Massachusetts State Bottom Trawl Survey for over 30 consecutive years and is vital to the northeast fisheries stock assessment. The OIC and JOIC are charged with safe operation and compliance with NOAA Small Boat Program regulations. R/V Gloria Michelle is homeported in Woods Hole, MA, and typically makes port calls in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. The JOIC, working with the OIC, will be responsible for vessel budget, logistics, maintenance, and contract procurement for winter repairs and other large projects.
The JOIC will gain experience navigating the vessel and running the fishing equipment. General marine engineering knowledge is recommended as the officer will be working with the OIC, sometimes with little to no supervision, to maintain the major engineering systems aboard (main engine, generators, electrical system, plumbing, etc.). This unique, highly operational billet also offers invaluable experience managing crew and deck operations.
This assignment is expected to be vacant in June 2021. Officers interested in this assignment should update preferences, contact the Assignment Coordinator and contact OIC, LT Benjamin VanDine at benjamin.e.vandine@noaa.gov, to seek additional details about the assignment.