Introduction

This year, NOAA marks 50 years of science, service, and stewardship. Our agency was born out of an idea that the ocean and atmosphere are inextricably linked and that we depend upon it – not only for the quality of our lives, but for life itself. Since then, NOAA has grown to become a world-class science agency with a reach that extends from the surface of the sun to the depths of the ocean floor.

NOAA’s achievements are possible because of its dedicated workforce, who will undoubtedly propel us through the next 50 years of innovation and discovery. Through these pages, we invite you to take a look back at our historic accomplishments, and look forward to a future that ushers in leading-edge science and technology, including in exciting areas such as uncrewed systems, artificial intelligence, ‘omics, and cloud computing – where NOAA’s skilled employees deliver on our mission in bold and innovative ways.

Whether building new and creative partnerships with the flourishing space and weather enterprises to deliver the world’s best weather forecasts, powering growth in the American Blue Economy, taking decisive steps to more fully explore our ocean, helping expand domestic marine aquaculture production, or maximizing sustainable commercial fishing by streamlining regulations, we recognize our employees and our partners for their contributions to the stewardship of the Earth, and we celebrate those efforts through the pictures, stories and features that celebrate NOAA’s Golden Anniversary.

Sincerely, Neil, Tim, and Ben

Dr. Neil Jacobs

Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction, performing the duties of Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere

RDML Tim Gallaudet Ph.D., USN Ret.

Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Deputy NOAA Administrator

Benjamin Friedman

Deputy Under Secretary for Operations