Smallest U.S. Sea Service to Get Civilian Leader
The NOAA Corps, the nation’s smallest commissioned service, is being restructured and will get a civilian leader.
The 247-officer service, formerly known as the Coast and Geodetic Survey, operates research ships and planes studying fisheries, weather and climate. It also maps the seacoast and is part of the Commerce Department’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
NOAA Administrator D. James Baker said the corps will be restructured into a 240-member organization with a civilian in charge. The current commander of the corps, Rear Adm. William L. Stubblefield, will remain the highest-ranking uniformed corps member. A schedule for the change was not announced.
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