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Meet our Cooperative Aviation Center universities

The NOAA Cooperative Aviation Centers (NCAC) are an innovative partnership established between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Commissioned Officer Corps and select, accredited aviation-focused universities across the nation.

LCDR Will Mayo and LT Conor Maginn in the cockpit of NOAA G-IV

Meet the Crew: Rusty Dittoe, Flight Engineer

NOAA’s federal civilian employees at the Aircraft Operations Center play a vital role in supporting the agency’s fleet of 10 specialized aircraft. From maintenance to mission support, they help keep these aircraft ready to collect critical data that advances our understanding of the ocean and atmosphere and to help save lives and protect property. Meet Rusty Dittoe, flight engineer at the Aircraft Operations Center.

Rusty Dittoe poses in front of P-3 in flight suit

Meet the Crew: Maideline Sanchez, Visual Communications

NOAA’s federal civilian employees play a vital role in supporting missions. Whether overseeing budgets, keeping our technology working, or connecting with those we serve, everyone is an integral part of the team. Meet Maideline Sanchez, visual communications specialist and U.S. Navy veteran.

Maideline Sanchez at the keyboard

Meet the Crew: Lt. Cmdr. Patricia Dunford

The NOAA Corps is one of the nation’s eight uniformed services and supports nearly all of NOAA’s programs and missions. Meet NOAA Corps officer Lt. Cmdr. Patricia Dunford.

LCDR Trish Dunford in NOAA Corps flight suit