Greetings and Happy Belated Birthday (May 22), NOAA Corps Colleagues,
The unofficial beginning of summertime is upon us, marked in the United States by the Memorial Day holiday weekend. This time of year is often associated with graduations, outdoor barbecues, local parades, the beginning of planned warm-weather family vacations, and for many automobile race fans, the century-plus old Indianapolis 500.
However, it would be remiss for us not to remember and reflect on the origin of Memorial Day (established as Decoration Day following the American Civil War), when we honor those who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. Armed Services. CPC’s Deputy Director, Jason Merriweather, earlier this week noted to our staff not only the importance of this particular holiday but also ways in which we can honor its origin and spirit. In particular, he offered the suggestion to take a moment this weekend and visit a national cemetery, such as Arlington, and pay homage to those who have gone before us, both fallen service members as well as their immediate family members whose remains lie alongside them.
As my parents’ remains are interred at Arlington National Cemetery, I plan to visit them this weekend with a flower and flag, as well as take a stroll among the tombstones, paying my respects, and giving reverent thanks to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in support of the freedoms we now enjoy. I invite you all, wherever and however you may be spending this weekend, to pay homage in whatever way you are able, and I wish you a safe, reflective, and relaxing holiday weekend.
As always, please be kind and take care of yourselves and each other.
Best Regards,
Captain Chris van Westendorp, NOAA
Director, Commissioned Personnel Center
| 02 Jun 2023 | ACO Award Nominations due |
| 07 Jun 2023 | Officer Assignment Board |
| 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 |
| LT Alexandria Andonian | 30 JUN 2023 |
| LT Nathaniel Park | 01 JUL 2023 |
| LTJG Logan Dodson | 01 JUL 2023 |
| CAPT James Crocker | 01 AUG 2023 |
| LTJG Stefanie Coxe | 01 AUG 2023 |
| CDR John Rossi | 10 AUG 2023 |
| LT Christopher Dunn | 25 AUG 2023 |
| CDR Patrick Didier | 01 SEP 2023 |
| LT Conor Maginnn | 01 SEP 2023 |
| LCDR Hadley Owen | 30 SEP 2023 |
 Assistant Secretary Bavishi and the other members of the official party as the graduating class passes for review. Photo Credits: PA3 Thieme |
BOTC 141 Graduation and final training
Congratulations to the members of BOTC 141 on graduating from BOTC on Friday, May 12th. The class would like to thank Assistant Secretary Bavishi and RDML Cary for attending and participating in the ceremony.
Congratulations to the following students on their exceptional performance in various aspects of the program:
 BOTC 141 aboard TV Shuman. Photo Credits: LT Kosten |
The week after graduation, 141 practiced their maritime skills onboard several underway platforms including the USCGA T-Boats, the New London Ferry, and the TV Shuman. The class was tasked with creating a voyage plan and Navigation Brief in preparation for a day trip along the coast to Weekapaug, RI. This is the first class to get underway on Shuman, a twin screw CG training vessel converted from an Army Corps survey boat. The class also had the opportunity to speak with LT Parrish and LTJG Brewer on their experience in aviation. This week the students will learn ECDIS at USMRC, and will finish their training with a week of BRM, heading to their first assignments on Saturday, June 3rd.
 ENS Ancello on the helm of Shuman. Photo Credits: ENS Rivera |
 FRB and T-boat drills. Photo Credits: OC Rivera  BOTC 141 with LT Parrish, LTJG Brewer and USMRC instructor Mr. Comeau. Photo Credits: USMRC Instructor |
 LT Kosten demonstrating the use of a twin screw throttle system. Photo Credits: ENS Rivera  ENS Black and Almodovar on the bridge of the MV Cape Henlopen. Photo Credits: ENS Rivera |
On July 12, 2021, the CPC Director provided an update to the NOAA Corps leave policy as it related to COVID-19 and foreign travel. In conjunction with the May 11, 2023 White House announcement ending the federal declaration of a COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, the July 2021 requirement for NOAA Corps officers has now been rescinded. As such, NOAA Corps officers taking leave that includes travel to or through foreign countries are no longer required to include a statement for the record in Block 16 of the Officer Leave Request Form (NF 56-12) documenting their COVID-19 vaccine. Similarly, Center Commanding Officers and Line Office Liaison Officers are no longer required to email the CPC Director foreign leave information. Please contact director.cpc@noaa.gov with any questions.
Have you been pondering your options for dental care lately? Should you go to an MTF or not? What are your dental benefits? How do you find a dentist? OMAO Office of Health Services and the CPC NOAA Corps Medical Affairs team have pulled together a quick FAQ document linked here that will hopefully provide some welcome clarity. Please contact NOAA Corps Medical Affairs (LCDR Beth Zalno or LTJG Kristine C. Jones-Beatty) at noaacorps.medical@noaa.gov with any questions.
USCG system updates needed to pay out Administrator Awards for NOAA Corps officers are now implemented and testing is complete. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, there will be an unavoidable and slight delay in paying out awards. We apologize for this additional holdup; know that the CPC Payroll Unit is working with the USCG Pay & Personnel Center to process the awards as expeditiously as possible, currently anticipated for no later than July 15, 2023. Please direct any questions to Katherine Raymond at katherine.raymond@noaa.gov.