BOTC 143 Updates (Student written entry)

Members of 143 pose for a photo before forming up for the St. Patty's Day Parade in Boston. PC: OC Orozco (USCG)

This past week BOTC 143 embarked on a week of hands-on learning, honing their basic ship handling techniques aboard the USCGA training vessels. From mastering maneuvers such as keeping station and Williamson turns, to understanding docking procedures with added external pressures of changing winds and currents, our candidates showcased their range of skills with determination and focus.

On St. Patrick's Day, the class journeyed to Boston, Massachusetts, where they proudly marched in the parade alongside fellow USCG officer candidates, making their presence known and highlighting the importance of the NOAA Corps.

As we approach the April 5th graduation date, the excitement within BOTC 143 is palpable. Each candidate is eager to embark on their first assignments in the fleet, fueled by the progress they have made and the camaraderie they've built throughout their training journey.

Congratulations to the members of BOTC 143 on their first fleet and aviation assignments:

The OC's of BOTC 143 took home the ALFA company pennant during their final test of "Sea Trials." PC: LTJG Henry Smith (USCG)

OC Valle and OC Mitchell recover "Oscar" during man overboard drills. PC: OC Seymour

OCs in 143 enjoy a sunny day out on the Thames River during shiphandling class. PC: OC Seymour

LT Buell (USCG) outlines the rules for the ship building competition in the stability lab. PC: OC Seymour

BOTC 143 Mentorship Program

The BOTC Mentorship Program is separate from wider OMAO/NOAA Mentorship Programs in that it focuses on the common questions, preparations, and challenges faced during first assignments. We are looking for volunteers to serve as mentors paired with a BOTC 143 mentee to share your experience and organizational knowledge, specifically O2s and O3s who have served with the following units as their first assignment:

• NOAA Ship Fairweather
• NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer
• NOAA Ship Nancy Foster
• NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown
• NOAA Ship Henry B. Bigelow

If you are interested please send an email to LT Ryan Musick at apply.noaacorps@noaa.gov by March 29^th to be added to the list.

Updated OMAO Policy 1212 - Commissioned Officer Augmentation

In the February 09, 2024 Cyberflash, we announced the updated fleet augmentation website, as well as a pending updated augmentation policy. The newly updated OMAO Policy 1212 - Commissioned Officer Augmentation is now approved and available for view in Google Drive. Highlights for this update include:

• Updated Responsible Positions based on Marine Operations (MO) Crew restructuring;
• Updated details on Augmentation List composition;
• An added requirement to track augmentation days via Officer Evaluation Reports; and
• Changes to how ships coordinate with MO Crew to request augmentation assistance.

Please reach out to CPC Career Management (chief.careermgmt.cpc@noaa.gov) with any NOAA Corps related questions.

World TB Day - March 24

In honor of World TB Day on March 24th, Medical Affairs would like to provide a reminder to ensure that you have completed the annual Tuberculosis (TB) Screening. Please login to the Medical Readiness portion of your OPF to verify that you have completed the TB Screening within the last year. Medical Affairs has updated the TB Screening requirement to be completed annually.

Per the Tuberculosis Protection Program Policy 1008 Version 5.0, NOAA Corps officers must complete the annual TB Risk Screening form or they will not be medically cleared for duty to sail, fly, or dive. Officers are responsible for ensuring the TB Risk Screening remains current to maintain medical readiness.

What is TB? TB is a serious bacterial illness that can spread from person to person through the air. The bacteria usually attack the lungs but can attack any part of the body. Two TB-related conditions exist: Latent TB Infection (LTBI) where the person is asymptomatic but may develop into TB disease if not treated.

Why do we screen for TB?
Anyone can get TB. Those with LTBI are asymptomatic and may not know that they have been infected. TB is common in many countries that we travel to and visit, elevating the risk of becoming infected with TB.

How do I submit the NF 57-10-02 Tuberculosis Screening Document?

• If your form has been signed by a provider please upload the completed form utilizing the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal to NOAA Corps Medical Affairs to update your Medical Readiness.
• If your form has NOT been signed by a provider please EMAIL the NF 57-10-02 with Section A completed to noaacorps.medical@noaa.gov. To expedite review and assist Medical Affairs please explain any "yes" answers on the form. If more information or testing is indicated Medical Affairs will reach out to the officer. If no further testing is indicated Medical Affairs will upload the signed document to your MHS GENESIS record. Officers can then obtain a copy of the signed form through their MHS GENESIS Patient Portal.

Did You Know? Service Obligation for Permanent Change of Station (PCS)

As a reminder, the NOAA Corps Directives, Chapter 5 (05405), was updated in September 2023 to reflect that NOAA Corps officers incur a one-year Active Duty Service Obligation (ADSO) after a PCS move from one Permanent Duty Station (PDS) to another PDS. Officers in receipt of PCS orders to a PDS outside of the continental United States (OCONUS) that is not a U.S. State or territory (i.e. another country) shall incur an ADSO equal to the duration of the assignment. The ADSO begins on the date of arrival/check-in at the new duty station and is automatically incurred when an officer accepts orders.

Officers who receive PCS assignment instructions and do not wish to accept the orders and incur the associated ADSO may request separation or retirement, as appropriate, and their written request for separation or retirement must be submitted within 45 days of the assignment notification. Failure to submit such a request within 45 days implies consent to the assignment.

For questions or concerns please reach out to the assignment coordinator, LT Trede, at assignmentbranch.cpc@noaa.gov.