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NOAA Fleet Week 2024

NOAA Logo, words "NOAA Fleet Week", and a collage of NOAA ships, aircraft, uncrewed systems and personnel in action

Welcome to NOAA Fleet Week!

As we prepare to enter field season for many NOAA research projects, we are kicking off the inaugural NOAA Fleet Week. Aligning with the tradition of Fleet Weeks, during which the public can experience active military ships and aircraft, NOAA is offering virtual “behind the scenes” access to the NOAA fleet from April 15 to April 19 through social media takeovers, web stories, videos, and more. Join us all week to learn more about the platforms and people behind NOAA’s science, service, and stewardship mission.  

Check back here for additional stories and join us on our social media channels using #NOAAFleetWeek.

Letter from Leadership

Rear Admiral Nancy Hann

Greetings,

On behalf of NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations, we are pleased to kick off the first-ever NOAA Fleet Week. 

Since 1935, Fleet Weeks have served as celebrations of U.S. service members, ships, aircraft, and other assets that support our nation. Fleet Weeks take place around the nation at various times of the year and offer an opportunity to learn more about the many invaluable contributions our nation’s fleets make to our safety and security.

We invite you to join us April 15-19 as we and our partners throughout NOAA provide virtual access to our fleet and a behind-the-scenes look at the vessels, aircraft, uncrewed systems, and dedicated workforce that make NOAA science, service, and stewardship possible.

Through engaging web stories, videos, and social media content, you will have the opportunity to see what NOAA vessels and aircraft look like inside, hear from the people who operate our ships, boats, aircraft, and uncrewed systems, and learn how our civilian and commissioned personnel are working every day to support the nation by collecting vital data about our planet using the latest technology.

Thank you for tuning in. We look forward to celebrating #NOAAFleetWeek with you!

Sincerely,

Rear Admiral Nancy Hann 
Director, NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps and 
Office of Marine and Aviation Operations


The History of NOAA's Fleet

To kick off NOAA Fleet Week, learn more about the history of NOAA's fleet.

A black and white photo of the Coast and Geodetic Survey steamer BLAKE at a dock
Coast and Geodetic Survey steamer BLAKE. In service 1874-1905. Credit: NOAA Central Library

 


Get to NOAA-Us with NOAA ship, aircraft and uncrewed systems experts

During this segment, NOAA experts offer insight into how NOAA uses ships, planes and uncrewed systems to study our waterways and atmosphere and better understand the Earth.


Keeping Science Afloat

Take a deeper dive into maximizing the service life of NOAA ships to make sure critical science can happen. 

NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown at sea

 


The People Behind NOAA's Fleet

Get to NOAA-Us! Check back in throughout NOAA Fleet Week to get to know the terrific workforce that contributes to NOAA's fleet.

A woman in a hard hat aboard a NOAA ship

LaDeirdre Forehand, Able Seaman

Read more about one of our professional mariners on NOAA Ship Nancy Foster and what makes her "NOAA Strong." 

Sean Battles in a small boat in front of Mount Fairweather

Sean Battles, Chief Engineer

Read more about a professional mariner on NOAA Ship Fairweather and how NOAA’s dynamic and multi-platform missions encourage and stimulate his engineering mindset.

A female NOAA Corps officer aboard NOAA Ship Fairweather

Commander Meghan McGovern, NOAA Corps Officer

Read more about one of our NOAA Corps officers currently serving as the Commanding Officer of a NOAA ship.

Joe DelTorto, Chief Engineer

Hear from the Chief Engineer on NOAA Ship Bigelow.


Tour NOAA's Aircraft Fleet

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the NOAA aircraft fleet in this video playlist.


Forging New Pathways in Science Using Uncrewed Systems

Science teams across NOAA use uncrewed systems to augment the capabilities of traditional data-gathering tools to meet NOAA mission needs.

Here are five examples of ways NOAA is using uncrewed systems to forge new pathways in science.

A red uncrewed marine system transits on top of the ocean with the E/V Nautilus in the background.

 


Stories from the Blue: Lieutenant Dustin Picard

Curious of what it’s like to dive and operate small boats for your job? 

Check out this video from NOAA's National Marine Sanctuaries to learn more.


No Off-Season for Science or NOAA's Aircraft

NOAA’s fleet of ten aircraft operate throughout the year to support NOAA’s diverse science missions.

 

Learn more about NOAA aircraft and their missions.

 

A collage of four photos of NOAA's different aircaft in different weather conditions to illustrate that their is no off-season for science and NOAA's aircraft.

 


Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations

Learn what it is and how it can advance NOAA science.

Visual depiction of the orientation of people and platforms to achieve visual vs beyond visual line of sight UAS operations.

 


A Day Aboard the King Air for Coastal Mapping Missions

Ever wondered what it’s like to gather scientific data from a plane? Here's your chance to learn more.

 


Supporting Below-the-Surface Science

Dive deeper into the NOAA Diving Program.

A diver under the water holding a notebook and ruler to measure coral

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