Message from the Director

Good afternoon, NOAA Corps,

You may have noted my P.S. from the last Cyberflash, advising folks to try and take their well-deserved leave before the end of September (else risk losing it). In full disclosure, I was writing that P.S. to myself as much as I was to all of you, as I’ve sometimes found it challenging to make me-time in my career.

Being a NOAA Corps officer often demands quite a bit of extra time and energy; truly part of the sacrifice that comes from being in a uniformed service, on-call 24/7. And similarly, I find that I can get caught up in what I suspect many of us refer to as “firefighting” mode. During the course of each day, I react to the latest “hot” priority (whether or not it is one), sometimes taking my eyes off the big picture and/or more strategic path that is established to ensure continuous improvement and/or growth.

To that end, a colleague recently referred me to an idea suggested by a neurologist and author, that zebras don’t get ulcers because (in abbreviated summary) they only experience acute and short-term stress when being chased by lions; otherwise their stress quickly fades once the threat no longer exists. Oh, to be a zebra (?). We know that being a human and subject to persistent chronic stress could lead to health problems when not checked over time with periods of reduced stress, thus the potential problems posed by near-continuous “firefighting” mode. But a properly balanced approach to managing daily stress with self-care (including taking leave) helps us not only get back to our broader thinking capacity, but also enables improved connection with our families, friends, loved ones, and selves.

On that note, I’m taking my own medicine and several days of approved leave this month and next, and I encourage you all to seek your proper balance of hot priority/stress management and personal care. I’m confident that through that pursuit, we’ll all continue to be stronger, more effective, and better connected together.

Best Regards,

Directors signature
Captain Chris van Westendorp, NOAA
Director, Commissioned Personnel Center

On the Horizon

10 Sep 2025 Command Advisory Board

Approved Resignations, Separations and Retirements

LCDR Devin Schaefer 08 Sep 2025
Terminal leave: 01 Jul 2025
LCDR Bryan Brasher 22 Sep 2025

BOTC 146

BOTC 146 has officially wrapped up, with the mariners completing their capstones at USMRC, and aviators familiarizing themselves with AOC and their duties! The mariners went through a variety of scenarios in the sims, including transits into their new home ports and exercises ranging from man overboard situations to narrow river maneuvering. Meanwhile the aviators got a tour of AOC, including all the aircraft and started on their collateral duties. We would like to give a special thank you to Captain Levine, Mr. Comeau, Mr. Anderson, and Captain Golden for all of their mentorship during USMRC. We would also like to give a special shoutout to LT Jessurun, LTjg Smith, LCDR Kosten, and CDR Skapin for their support and encouragement throughout BOTC. The BOTC 146 cohort is looking forward to meeting everyone in the fleet!!

Did You Know? Transition Assistance Program

In our continued efforts to provide improved customer service for officers as they prepare to transition to their next life and career steps outside of the NOAA Corps, we have engaged with the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) in regions across the country. Officers with 18 or more years of service and within two years of retirement eligibility should have received an email recently from CPC staff, advertising TAP class availability. Attendance at TAP is highly encouraged for all eligible officers, even if they plan to continue on further in their NOAA careers. The class provides valuable tools, resources, and information to help set attendees up for success in future endeavors, including but not limited to:

  • Educational assistance benefits,
  • Medical and dental coverage,
  • Effect of career change counseling, and
  • Veterans Administration benefits and services.

To learn more, please contact CPC Career Management at faiona.chamorro@noaa.gov.

OER Time - A Useful Tool - OER Instruction Manual

As many officers work diligently to complete July Officer Evaluation Reports (OERs), we wanted to remind everyone about a useful reference when completing OERs - the NOAA Corps Officer Evaluation System Instruction Manual, found on the CPC Intranet here. This instruction manual provides additional information regarding OER writing, amplifying the information provided in the NOAA Corps Directives Chapter 4. Please take a look at the instruction manual and if you have any questions regarding OERs, please do not hesitate to reach out to CDR Emily Rose, Chief, Officer Career Management Division at chief.careermgmt.cpc@noaa.gov .

Billets Exempt from NOAA Corps Ship Augmentation

Recently, the Director, NOAA Corps approved an updated list of billets (linked here) that are exempt from the Commissioned Officer Augmentation policy (1212). Some billets have been identified as requiring special consideration and written approval from the Deputy Director, NOAA Corps or the Director, NOAA Corps in order for the incumbent officer to be considered for augmentation. Please note that officers who are in billets which require this consideration are exempt from the minimum required annual augmentation days, however they may be approached to consider augmentation opportunities.

If you have any questions, please contact CDR Emily Rose, Chief, Officer Career Management Division at chief.careermgmt.cpc@noaa.gov.

CPC Webinar Series: Uniform and Awards Board

Please join CPC on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 12pm EDT for a one-hour webinar: Uniform and Awards Board (UAB) with UAB members CAPT Gonsalves, CDR Gaston, and LCDR Devereaux. This webinar will provide an overview of the UAB, the timeline of an award, and tips for successful nominations. We will also discuss the uniform portion of the UAB, as well as share metrics on past award trends. Please use this Google Doc to ask any questions prior to the webinar, as these will be used to drive some of the discussion. This webinar will be recorded and stored on the CPC Intranet website for future viewing.