NOAA Corps Officers -
I hope this message finds you well. This week NOAA Corps officers are supporting the pollock survey in Alaska, studying air chemistry and oceanography between the U.S. and Brazil, validating satellite measurements of ocean surface winds, surveying right whales, supporting repairs or maintenance, planning to recapitalize platforms, training to refine skills, and working closely with our DOD/DHS partners to just name a few of the activities. The demand for our services are high and the ability of our team to step up and meet the challenges is remarkable.
We also had the chance to recently connect in a NOAA Corps All Hands on February 9 which is now posted on the CPC website in case you missed it. The request to record all hands communications is something new we are trying and is in response to feedback from you. Continuing my commitment to open dialogue, RDML Benjamin Evans and myself were briefed by five working groups on strategies for improvements in the organization. The enthusiasm for investing in our organization from this diverse cadre of officers was impressive and RDML Evans and I will be providing a transparent response with next steps in the near future.
Lastly, another great idea from the workforce to mitigate burn out and improve how we more equally distribute liberty across units will be through pre approved 96 hour liberty for calendar year 2023. The key to the success of this new offering will be good communication with your supervisor. And for the officers with more restrictive operational schedules (I’m talking to you wing and shipmates!) you and your supervisors have the latitude to identify make up dates that are in accordance with the NOAA Corps Directives.
Thank you for what you are doing for DOC, NOAA, and the Nation.
Warm Regards,
RDML Chad Cary, NOAA
Deputy Director for OMAO Operations
Deputy Director for the NOAA Corps
Acting Director, Commissioned Personnel Center
| 01 Mar 2023 | Command Advisory Board |
| 26 Mar - 15 Apr 2023 | REFTRA 94 |
| 05 Apr 2023 | Officer Assignment Board |
| LTJG Jeffrey Calderon | 01 May 2023 |
| CAPT Todd Bridgeman | 01 Jun 2023 |
| CAPT Timothy Gallagher | 01 Jun 2023 |
| CAPT Stephanie Koes | 01 Jun 2023 |
| CAPT Mark Van Waes | 01 Jun 2023 |
| LT Linda Junge | 01 Jun 2023 |
| LTJG Alexandria Andonian | 30 JUN 2023 |
 Members of BOTC 141 at the Rhode Island Fire Academy practicing use of fire extinguishers. Photo Credit: OC Rivera |
BOTC 141 has started their maritime curriculum here at the Coast Guard Academy. They've completed basic firefighting in the classroom and in a field exercise at the Rhode Island Fire Academy. This Friday they are heading to Survival Systems for egress training. They've competed in their first drill competition and are continuing to learn about officership, military tradition and teamwork.
 BOTC 141. Photo Credit: Rhode Island Fire Academy |
 BOTC 141 Photo Credit: Rhode Island Fire Academy |
 BOTC 141. Photo Credit: Rhode Island Fire Academy |
On Thursday, 09 February, CPC hosted a virtual all-hands meeting for NOAA Corps Officers with over 100 officers in attendance. RADM Nancy Hann, RDML Chad Cary and CPC Deputy Director, Jason Merriweather, fielded 60 questions received from across the Corps and provided updates on key legislation, budget updates, and new policies. The all-hands was recorded and uploaded to the CPC Website under “All Hands Recordings” section on the How To Guidance page.
Where did CPC ship my package? What is the NC's policy on this...? Why is my benefit wrong?
Good news! Officers can prevent these questions, concerns, and issues by completing their 2022 EOY Package! Thank you to the 96 officers who have completed the packages, the 104 officers that initiated the process, and we are standing by to support the 120 officers that have yet to start the process.
Help CPC to serve you best. Let's get to 100% completion ahead of the March 17, 2023 deadline and make 2023 our best administrative year to date!
As NOAA Corps officers continue to utilize the new OPF Online and take more proactive management of their OPFs, so too comes the responsibility of uploading correctly. When you upload your files to your OPF, please make sure the documents are legible, signed when necessary, and have the correct orientation for reading. Future board members, and CPC staff, thank you for making adjustments ahead of your files’ review!.
On October 17, 2022, the President signed Public Law 117-209 enacting an increase in Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) maximum coverage from $400,000 to $500,000. The effective date of the coverage increase for SGLI will be March 01, 2023.
All active duty will receive the bump up; even the service members who previously elected no coverage. You must go into the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) - Online Enrollment System (SOES) to decline or decrease coverage amount. after March 01, 2023.
The change will be reflected on your April 2023 pay statement.
Note: NOAA Corps officers shall manage their life insurance elections with SOES. Access the milConnect site (Select 'I want to Manage my SGLI'), log in using your CAC, verify contact info, select the ‘Benefits’ tab, and continue through the SOES certification process. You must enter your beneficiary name(s) (only spouse information will pre-populate) and their indicated share of proceeds, validate your coverage amount, and use an electronic signature to finalize the elections. All officers require certification; even if you have already declined or intend to decline coverage, you should ensure SOES reflects that declination. Once you have met this requirement, at least annually, officers should view coverage and update it as necessary.
To ensure proper documentation, certify your coverage through the prompts; then, when the pdf version previews, download a certified copy to your desktop before completing the certification. Upon signing and logging out, submit your updated SGLI pdf via OPF Online.
As NOAA Corps officers continue to utilize the new OPF Online and take more proactive management of their OPFs, so too comes the responsibility of uploading correctly. When you upload your files to your OPF, please make sure the documents are legible, signed when necessary, and have the correct orientation for reading. Future board members, and CPC staff, thank you for making adjustments ahead of your files’ review!.
An Aviation Advisory Board will convene this fall/winter to recommend officers for initial flight training. Start dates for flight training will be determined based on the needs of the service. Previous flight experience is not required for this opportunity, however it is highly encouraged and will help applicants determine if aviation is a desirable career path. Time in Service will not be limited for the purpose of this candidate selection and selected applicants will incur an Active Duty Service Obligation of six years.
Requirements for the NOAA Corps Aviation Selection Process:
For questions about NOAA aviation careers and the application process, contact LCDR Alan Hough (aoc.chiefadmin@noaa.gov). For questions specific to medical requirements and USCG Class I flight physicals, contact CAPT Joe Newcomb, USPHS, (joseph.newcomb@noaa.gov) or (863) 500-3991.