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NOAA partners with University of Southern Mississippi on uncrewed systems

NOAA and the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) signed a 10-year agreement on Feb. 4, 2021 to partner on ways to improve how uncrewed systems (UxS) are used to collect important ocean observation data and augment NOAA’s operational capabilities. The agreement provides a framework for collaborating with NOAA scientists and UxS operators on projects to further UxS research, development and operations. UxS are sensor-equipped vehicles that operate autonomously or are remotely piloted.

A yellow autonomous surface vehicle in the water

Contract awarded to Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors LLC to build two new oceanographic ships for NOAA

NOAA’s effort to recapitalize its aging fleet of research ships took a major step forward today with the U.S. Navy’s award of a $178,082,877 contract to Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors LLC, Houma, Louisiana, for the detailed design and construction of two new oceanographic ships for the agency. NOAA is acquiring the vessels through an agreement with the Naval Sea Systems Command, a leader in building, providing and procuring large research ships for the nation's research fleet.

NOAA welcomes new Beechcraft King Air to its fleet of specialized aircraft

NOAA’s newest aircraft, a Beechcraft King Air 350 CER turboprop, aircraft has arrived at the NOAA Aircraft Operations Center in Lakeland, Florida. The new aircraft, designated N67RF, is outfitted with remote sensing equipment that will measure the water content of snow and soil — data that is used for flood, river level and water supply forecasts.

In Memoriam: Dr. James “Doc” McFadden

Colleagues, family, and friends mourn the passing on Sept. 28, 2020 of Dr. James “Doc” McFadden, a dedicated public servant who, over the course of his 57 year career, has immeasurably influenced the evolution of airborne data collection at NOAA. Dr.

NOAA partners with Scripps Institution of Oceanography on unmanned systems

NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations and Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego are partnering to improve how unmanned systems (UxS) are used to collect important ocean observations and augment NOAA’s operational capabilities. This 10-year agreement provides a framework for Scripps and OMAO’s new Unmanned Systems Operations Program to collaborate on specific projects to further UxS research, development, and operations.

NOAA King Air aircraft team surveys the coast of the U.S. Virgin Islands

The crew of NOAA King Air 350 CER N68RF conducted coastal mapping missions for NOAA's National Geodetic Survey (NGS) in the U.S. Virgin Islands during a two-week mission earlier this year. The team used the aircraft's onboard remote sensing technology to collect shoreline imagery prior to hurricane season. The imagery will serve as a baseline in the event that any of these areas are damaged by a hurricane or tropical storm this coming season.

NOAA Twin Otter aircraft crew surveys right whales

Last month, the crew of NOAA DHC-6 Twin Otter N48RF wrapped up its right whale survey season off the southeast coast of the United States. The crew of NOAA Corps pilots and scientists sighted 10 new mom/calf pairs, indicating there is hope for the endangered species. Today, researchers estimate there are only about 400 North Atlantic right whales in the population, with fewer than 100 females remaining.