The NOAA Corps is the smallest of the seven Uniformed Services of the United States, having only approximately 300 commissioned officers. It is the uniformed service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The NOAA Commissioned Corps traces its roots back to the former U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, which dates back to 1807 and President Thomas Jefferson. The U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey officers were commissioned so that under the laws of war, they could not be shot as spies if they were serving as surveyors on a battlefield.
The NOAA Corps today provides a cadre of professionals trained in engineering, earth sciences, oceanography, meteorology, fisheries science, and other related disciplines. Officers operate ships, fly aircraft, manage research projects, conduct diving operations, and serve in staff positions throughout NOAA.
Its officers wear the uniforms of the United States Navy, with distinctive NOAA insignia. The NOAA Corps also uses the same ranks as the Navy.
Notice: This article incorporates material taken from the public domain website of the NOAA corps at www.noaacorps.noaa.gov.
