As the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) prepares to enter its field season for many NOAA research projects, the agency is kicking off the first-ever NOAA Fleet Week with the NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations on April 15 through April 19, 2024.
During that time, NOAA and its partners will provide virtual access to its fleet and a behind-the-scenes look at the NOAA vessels, aircraft, uncrewed systems, and dedicated workforce that make the agency’s science, service, and stewardship possible.
Through engaging web stories, videos, and social media content, NOAA will present the opportunity to see what its vessels and aircraft look like inside, hear from the people who operate its ships, boats, aircraft, and uncrewed systems, and learn how its civilian and commissioned personnel are working every day to support the nation by collecting vital data about our planet using the latest technology.
Since 1935, military 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.
How to Participate in NOAA Fleet Week
Join NOAA all week on the to learn more about the platforms and people behind its science, service, and stewardship mission. During the inaugural NOAA Fleet Week, there won’t be a single link, but rather, the NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) will be releasing content all week on its website HERE and its social media channels HERE. (Helpful hint: Search for NOAA Fleet Week content on social media using the hashtag #NOAAFleetWeek)Y
You can also check out other NOAA Earth Month stories and citizen science activities on NOAA’s Earth Day portal HERE.
History of the NOAA Fleet
While NOAA has gone by many names before its current formation, the agency and its predecessors have maintained and operated a fleet of research vessels since the 1850s. Originally established as the Survey of the Coast (est. 1807), later the U.S. Coast Survey (est. 1836) and U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey (est. 1878); NOAA was created in 1970 and brought together the responsibilities of multiple federal research programs.
Throughout these transitions the agency operated a fleet of survey ships to gather data for nautical charts and other navigation tools. In the early 1900s, the fleet expanded to include fisheries survey ships and aircraft. In the last two decades, uncrewed platforms joined the NOAA fleet.
Currently, the NOAA fleet includes 15 ships, 10 aircraft, an extensive small boats program and diving program, and a growing number of uncrewed systems that operate around the world in support of NOAA’s broad missions in the atmosphere, oceans, and coasts. The fleet supports work across all of NOAA, with a large number of its corporate platforms housed within the NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations.
The vehicles are managed, maintained and operated by a suite of NOAA Corps officers, civilian professional mariners, and other NOAA personnel. This week, NOAA will highlight different elements of its fleet in celebration of the first #NOAAFleetWeek.
Check back HERE throughout the week to learn more!
