Media Information and Interviews

NESDIS Public Affairs Offi cerFederal Building 4, Room 3010-C5200 Auth RoadSuitland, MD 20746-4304301-457-5005http://www.noaa.gov(Scroll down to Public Affairs)Oceanographic DataNational Oceanographic Data CenterSSMC-31315 East-West Highway, Room 4820Silver Spring, MD 20910-3282301-713-3270http://www.nodc.noaa.govNational Coastal Data Development CenterBuilding 1100, Room 101Stennis Space Center, MS 39529228-688-2936Toll-free 866-732-2382http://www.ncddc.noaa.govSearch and RescueNOAA SarsatFederal Building 4, Room 33205200 Auth RoadSuitland, MD 20746-4304301-457-5678Toll-free 888-212-7283 (SAVE)http://www.sarsat.noaa.gov/Offi ce of Research and Applications5200 Auth RoadCamp Springs, MD 20746-4304301-763-8127http://www.orbit.nesdis.noaa.gov/star

CONTACTS

Climatic DataNational Climatic Data Center151 Patton AvenueAsheville, NC 28801-5001828-271-4800 TDD 828-271-4010http://www.ncdc.noaa.govEducation, Outreach, and Constituent AffairsNESDIS Offi ce of the Chief Information Offi cerSSMC-11335 East-West Highway, Room 7109Silver Spring, MD 20910-3282301-713-9220http://www.nesdis.noaa.govEEO and Diversity InformationEEO and Diversity Program ManagerSSMC-11335 East-West Highway, Room 8244Silver Spring, MD 20910-3282301-713-3387http://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/About/Diversity/diversity.htmlGeophysical DataNational Geophysical Data Center325 Broadway, E/GC4Boulder, CO 80305-3328303-497-6826TDD 303-497-6958http://www.ngdc.noaa.govInternational and Interagency ActivitiesInternational and Interagency Affairs Offi ceSSMC-11335 East-West Highway, Room 7311Silver Spring, MD 20910-3282301-713-2024 http://www.nesdisia.noaa.govLibrary ServicesNOAA Library and Information Services DivisionSSMC

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MISSION OF 

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SATELLITE, DATA, 

AND INFORMATION SERVICE (NESDIS):

 To deliver accurate, timely and reliable satellite observations and integrated products and to provide long term 

stewardship for global observations data in support of the 

NOAA mission.

NESDIS VISION:

To be the world’s premiere source of comprehensive environmental data and information.

A Letter From The

Assistant 

Administrator...
1

Our accomplishments for 2005 and our contributions to the Nation are a testament to the professionalism, dedication, and outstanding service provided by the employees of NOAA’s Satellite and 

Information Service (NESDIS).

This year’s Atlantic hurricane season was the most active on record, with 26 named storms. Our 

employees provided around-the-clock, real-time support to Federal, state, and local agencies in 

monitoring, tracking, and analyzing the hurricanes. In the face of Hurricane Katrina’s devastation, 

employees at the National Coastal Data Development Center at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi remained steadfast in their dedication to duty. In the aftermath of Katrina, the center led 

efforts to loan vital computer equipment to the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources to support state activities. A record demand for information was brought on by Katrina. Users from around 

the world logged onto NESDIS Web sites to receive updates on the storm’s position, view satellite 

imagery, and check on rainfall potential. The week before Hurricane Katrina made landfall, the 

Offi ce of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution saw a total of 206,814,261 Web site accesses, 

providing a total of 6.03 terabytes of data. 

In addition to hurricane information, visitors to NESDIS Web sites received a wide variety of information during the year, including real-time satellite imagery and environmental data from various 

other sources. The international Argo project, which provides high-quality, real-time monitoring of 

the global oceans, saw a dramatic increase in the number of data requests each month, from 87,645 

in August 2004, to 558,527 in August 2005. Web statistics also show a growing interest in NOAA’s 

coral reef data and information. The number of visitors to NOAA’s Coral Reef Information System 

Web site has increased 115 percent since May 2004. In the aftermath of the devastating Indian 

Ocean tsunami that took place in December 2004, the National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) 

added substantial amounts of data the NGDC global earthquake and tsunami databases. 

A satellite crucial to the NOAA mission, NOAA-18, was launched on May 20. NOAA-18 is critical 

to improving NOAA’s weather and climate forecasts, maintaining data continuity, and developing 

a global Earth observation program. Contracts were awarded for the Program Defi nition and Risk 

Reduction phase of the Nation’s next-generation of geostationary satellites, GOES-R. These contracts will provide information essential for the GOES-R Acquisition and Operations program. 

The new NOAA Satellite Operations Facility (NSOF) in Suitland, Maryland, is now 98 percent complete. The NSOF will house NOAA’s satellite command and control functions and data processing 

and distribution activities that are central to the NESDIS mission. The award-winning facility will 

replace the World War II era building that houses satellite operations. NSOF has earned several 

awards, including a General Services Administration, Design Excellence citation for its unique and 

advanced architectural design.

During 2005, our employees demonstrated outstanding professionalism, dedication to duty, and a 

commitment to excellence. I thank them and look forward to an exciting year ahead.

Gregory W. Withee

Assistant Administrator for Satellite and Information Services

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INTRODUCTION

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) mission is to understand and 

predict changes in the Earth’s environment and 

conserve and manage coastal and marine resources to meet our Nation’s economic, social, 

and environmental needs. NESDIS supports this 

mission with a focus on NOAA’s mission goals.

Goal 1: Protect, restore, and manage the use 

of coastal and ocean resources through an ecosystem approach to management.

Goal 2: Understand climate variability and 

change to enhance society’s ability to plan and 

respond.

Goal 3: Serve society’s needs for weather and 

water information.

Goal 4: Support the Nation’s commerce with 

information for safe, effi cient, and environmentally sound transportation.

Goal 5: Provide critical support for NOAA’s 

mission.

This annual report highlights key achievements 

in 2005 that have resulted in numerous benefi ts 

to the Nation. NESDIS provides global environmental data from satellites and other sources to 

NOAA and other Federal agencies, the Nation 

as a whole, and international partners. These 

data are used to provide severe storm warnings, short- and long-term weather forecasts, 

climate analyses, satellite-aided search and 

rescue, and other services. NESDIS contributes 

to the national economy with data that support 

resource management in areas such as energy, 

water, transportation, and global food supplies.

Organized according to NOAA’s mission goals, 

this report highlights our accomplishments that 

support these goals. It also provides an update 

on the following NOAA cross-cutting priorities: 

developing, valuing, and sustaining a worldclass workforce; integrating global environmental observations and data management; ensuring sound, state-of-the-art research; promoting 

environmental literacy; and exercising international leadership.

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GOAL 1:

Protect, restore, and manage the use of coastal and ocean resources through an ecosystem approach to management.

Our Nation’s coastal and ocean resources are vital to our economy and tourism industries. Coastal areas, among 

the most developed counties in the country, are growing much faster than counties elsewhere. Each day over 3,600 

more people move to coastal areas. Coastal and marine waters support millions of jobs and serve 180 million tourists each year. The ocean provides over $115 billion to the U.S. economy each year. Commercial and recreational 

fi shing industries add an additional $48 billion, with another $6 billion in direct and indirect economic impacts from 

aquaculture. The United States, with its Exclusive Economic Zone of 3.4 million square miles, manages the largest 

marine territory of any nation in the world. NESDIS provides data and information used to restore and protect 

ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources. NESDIS is continuing to improve the accuracy of forecasts of signifi cant 

ecological events.

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4

CoastWatch Nowcasts Harmful Algal Blooms in the 

Chesapeake Bay 

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) affl ict the Chesapeake Bay, posing 

threats to human health and natural resources. Using modeling and 

satellite support, NOAA’s CoastWatch program issues maps of these 

blooms, enabling the local community to take protective actions in the 

affected areas.

To obtain data, CoastWatch scientists use hydrodynamic models and 

satellite measurements to estimate the relative abundance of Karlodinium micrum (K. micrum). Advance warning of HABs increases 

the options for managing these events. This project represents collaboration among scientists from the Maryland Department of Natural 

Resources, the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, the University of Evansville, and NOAA. The group plans to 

develop and implement an operational system that will provide nowcasts and forecasts of the likelihood of K. micrum and several other 

HAB species in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries over the 

next fi ve years. 

The most current K. micrum nowcast and information describing the 

procedure used in creating the maps are on the CoastWatch Web site.

Please visit: http://coastwatch.noaa.gov/cbay_hab

Operational Near Real-time Ocean Profi le Data Systems Provide Salinity Profi les of the 

Global Oceans

The Near Real-time Ocean Profi le Data Systems, Argo and the Global Temperature-Salinity Profi le Program (GTSPP), are internationally coordinated programs that provide high quality, real-time monitoring of temperature-salinity profi les in the global oceans. They provide vital support for global ocean modeling efforts, climate studies, and 

climate prediction, enabling scientists to identify the nature of and causes for climate variations. 

Nowcast of the relative abundance of the ichthyotoxic dinofl agellate Karlodinium micrum in Chesapeake 

Bay on April 20, 2005.

The number of Argo profi ling fl oat stations is sorted by the observation years; the pie chart indicates the percentage of fl oats handled by 

each data assembly center. 
5

These programs are major components of the Global Ocean Observing System and the Climate Variability and 

Predictability program of the World Climate Research Programme. The National Oceanographic Data Center operates the Global Argo Data Repository for Argo and assembles both real-time and delayed-mode GTSPP data into 

a continuously managed database. 

As of August 2005, the Argo database consisted of about 174,100 individual station fi les, with new fi les generated 

and added daily. The GTSPP database contains 2,300,000 individual station fi les, with new fi les generated and 

loaded into the database weekly. 

Please visit: http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/argo/index.htm and http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/GTSPP/gtspp-home.html 

National Coastal Data Development Center Provides Access to Coastal Data

The National Coastal Data Development Center (NCDDC), at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, supports 

ecosystem stewardship by providing access to the Nation’s coastal data resources. NCDDC provides these data to 

users via the Internet, using established and emerging technologies. 

In 2005, NCDDC developed and managed various projects, including the:

• Coastal Risk Atlas

• Cruise Information Management System

 • West Coast Observation System

 • Relative Abundance Tool

The Coastal Risk Atlas: Predicting Hurricane Effects

The Coastal Risk Atlas is an online tool used to assess an area’s vulnerability to coastal storms. The data provided 

can help coastal communities in their hurricane preparedness activities.

The project, managed by NCDDC, provides hurricane-related data sets that can be used to determine potential storm 

surge inundation, inland fl ooding, 

and wind decay for a particular 

area. Demographic, infrastructure, 

and facility data are included to determine possible impacts to the local community. 

Geographic Information Systembased tools are provided to help users work with the data on their own 

systems. The Coastal Risk Atlas 

has expanded coverage along the 

Southeastern coast of the United 

States, and data are now available 

for Georgia, Mississippi, Southeast 

Louisiana, Texas, and most of Alabama and Florida.

Please visit: http://www.ncddc.noaa.gov/

cra

The Coastal Risk Atlas provides hurricane-related data sets that can be used to determine potential storm surge inundation, inland fl ooding, and wind decay for a particular area.
6

Cruise Information Management System: Making Ocean Exploration Easily Accessible

NCDDC is working with NOAA’s Offi ce of 

Ocean Exploration (OE) and other NOAA 

partners to develop a unique, end-to-end data 

management system for OE data collections. 

Once fully operational, the Cruise Information 

Management System (CIMS) will monitor research proposals, streamline at-sea data collection, reduce the overall data management 

burden, and ensure data accessibility in near 

real-time and in the future.

CIMS automates the creation of Federal Geographic Data Committee metadata from expedition information, thus ensuring interoperability through compliance with national 

standards. Once documented, data may also 

be geospatially enabled. Data discovery 

through multiple access points is possible, through the user’s choice of a standard metadata catalogue search, the OE 

Digital Atlas Geographic Information System (GIS), the NOAA Central Library Video Data Management System, 

or the National Oceanographic Data Center’s Ocean Archive System.

Please visit: http://www.ncddc.noaa.gov/ocean-exploration/Home 

West Coast Observing System: Observing in Support of Living Resources

In accordance with the National Marine Sanctuary Program goals for adopting a system-wide approach to resource 

monitoring, NCDDC partnered with the National Marine Sanctuary Program Offi ce and other agencies to develop 

This map shows the location and confi guration of the 23 new instrument moorings installed within four 

of the fi ve West Coast sanctuaries as part of the West Coast Observing System. Ocean temperature, 

current speed, oxygen, salinity, and fl uorometry data are collected, disseminated, and archived.

The Digital Atlas is an online GIS mapping application that allows Internet users to 

query data geospatially, by date or exploration theme.
7

the West Coast Observing System (WCOS). The primary WCOS objective was to develop a system to make West 

Coast National Marine Sanctuary Program monitoring data accessible via the Internet in a format compatible with 

the Integrated Ocean Observing System. WCOS project partners developed a three-pronged approach to meet this 

objective: in situ observations, information delivery, and technology development.

NCDDC developed automated systems and processes for moving data from fi eld collection sites to fi nal archive 

locations. As part of the automated process, Federal Geographic Data Committee metadata records are created and 

published, and multiple points of Internet data access are supported. A guided search interface provides Internet 

users with a simple tool to discover, visualize, and download WCOS data in compliance with OPeNDAP (the opensource project for a network data access) standards. This may be accessed directly at: http://portal.ncddc.noaa.gov/

wco/. The Sanctuary Integrated Monitoring Network, which provides access to the WCOS data, is the central site 

for disseminating data to managers, decision makers, the research community, and the general public. Information 

is available on topics such as marine mammals, seabirds, shorebirds, and habitats. In addition to the guided search, 

an Internet map service, metadata search, and other project components are supported. 

Please visit: http://www.mbnms-simon.org/sections/obs/nmsp_wco.php

Relative Abundance Tool: Tracking the Abundance of Marine Species

NCDDC developed an interactive Geographic Information System tool for the Galveston Fisheries Laboratory, to 

determine the relative abundance of species specifi c to Galveston Bay. The tools draw from the Estuarine Living 

Marine Resource database, to calculate a statistical average of values for selected features. The statistical analysis can be performed seasonally, and by life stage of each species. The tool, operational on the Internet, can be 

expanded for other estuaries based on availability of data for those regions.

Please visit: http://www.ncddc.noaa.gov/website/NMFS_Galveston/viewer.htm 

This map and associated table show the relative abundance assigned values for each of the eight species in Galveston 

Bay, according to life stage and season. The values are based on: 0=none; 2=rare; 3=common; 4=abundant; 5=highly 

abundant.
8

Satellite Bleaching Alerts Help Predict Stress in Coral Reefs

Coral bleaching is a problem plaguing reefs around the world. Corals “bleach,” or lose the algae that live in their 

tissues, when exposed to severe stress, usually high ocean temperatures. If the problem is severe enough, bleached 

corals will die, damaging the entire ecosystem. 

The NOAA Coral Reef Watch (CRW) released a new operational satellite warning product for monitoring coral reef 

health in 2005. NOAA’s CRW Satellite Bleaching Alert (SBA) system is an automated coral bleaching e-mail alert 

system designed to monitor the status of thermal stress that is conducive to coral bleaching via the use of the CRW 

global satellite near real-time HotSpot suite of products. 

The SBA was developed by the NOAA CRW satellite team as a tool for coral reef managers, scientists, and other 

interested people. The SBA became operational in July 2005. The alert messages are currently available online by 

subscription for 24 coral reefs around the world.

Please visit: http://coralreefwatch-satops.noaa.gov/SBA.html

Coral Reef Virtual Library Consolidates Resources

Scientists interested in Coral Reef literature can 

now fi nd it all in one place. The Coral Reef Information System (CoRIS) team worked with employees at the Pacifi c Island Fisheries and Science 

Center in Honolulu to start the process of archiving 

digital coral reef video fi les. The metadata will be 

recorded, video clips will be created, and all will 

be made available through three online systems: 

CoRIS, the NOAA Library and Information Datalog, and the National Oceanographic Data Center’s 

Ocean Archive System. The CoRIS Coral Reef Library pages are being redesigned to provide an integrated search of the entries in the NOAA Library 

catalog of interest to CoRIS and the Coral Reef Virtual Library. The Coral Reef Virtual Library is a Coral reef in the Caribbean Sea.

There are fi ve status levels of thermal stress to corals: No Stress, Bleaching Watch, Bleaching Warning, Bleaching Alert Level 

1, and Bleaching Alert Level 2. These levels are defi ned in terms of CRW HotSpots (shown) and Degree Heating Weeks.
9

collection of Web sites, journal articles, and other publications of interest to the Coral Reef Program which were not 

available from the NOAA Library. Due to enhancements, Web statistics show a growing interest in NOAA’s coral 

reef data and information. 

Please visit: http://www.coris.noaa.gov/library/welcome.html

First Lake-wide Compilation of Bathymetric Contours for Lake Huron Completed

The National Geophysical Data Center, in collaboration with the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory and the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS), has completed the fi rst lake-wide compilation of bathymetric 

contours for Lake Huron. Using data from both the National Ocean Service Hydrographic Database and the CHS, 

contours were generated at a variety of scales ranging from 1:1000 to 1:50000 with a variable contour interval (1, 5, 

or 10 meters). The Lake Huron bathymetric contours are available online through the interactive map server from 

a Web link. In addition to Lake Huron, contours are also available for Lakes Michigan, Erie, and Ontario. 

Please visit: http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/mgg/greatlakes/huron.html 

The Lake Huron bathymetric contours are available online.
10

GOAL 2:

Understand climate variability and change to enhance society’s ability to plan and respond

The world community has learned to contend with some aspects of the climate’s natural variability. However, 

major climatic events, combined with the stresses of population growth, economic growth, and land-use practices, can have serious consequences on society. For example, the 1997-98 El Niño had a $25 billion impact on 

the U.S. economy, including property losses and crop losses. Long-term drought leads to increased and competing demands for fresh water with related effects on terrestrial and marine ecosystems, agricultural productivity, 

and even the spread of infectious diseases. NESDIS maintains data stewardship to provide researchers, policy 

makers, and the public with critical data on the climate. NESDIS also contributes data and information on climate variability and change and their effect on commerce.

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11

State of the Climate Report for 2005 Issued

The National Climatic Data Center issued the Web-based Annual State of the Climate Report for 2005 on December 

15. This report places the climate of the year into historical perspective. It provides information on global and U.S. 

temperatures and precipitation including analyses of trends and extremes using an array of long-term records from 

land and ocean surface observations, as well as satellites. This report also has a summary of hurricane and tropical cyclone activity, including the record-breaking season in the North Atlantic Basin. Information on El Niño and 

severe drought and the Nation’s active wildfi re season are included.

The global annual temperature for 2005 for combined land and ocean surfaces is very close to the record global 

temperature that was established in 1998 under the infl uence of an extremely strong El Niño episode. There has 

been no such El Niño event in 2005, but rather, unusual warmth across large parts of the globe throughout the year. 

Signifi cant global events in 2005 include: the most destructive hurricane on record to hit the United States, severe 

drought in parts of southern Africa and the Greater Horn of Africa, extreme monsoon-related rainfall in western 

India including a 24-hour rainfall total of 37.1 inches in Mumbai, the worst drought in decades in the Amazon River 

basin, severe drought in large parts of western Europe, and a record warm year in Australia.

The 2005 annual average temperature for the United States is expected to be the 20th warmest on record. The 

Atlantic hurricane season was the most active on record, with 26 named storms, including 14 hurricanes, forming 

from June through November. Six named storms made landfall along the U.S. Gulf Coast, including one Category 

4, Katrina, and three Category 3 hurricanes, Dennis, Rita, and Wilma. The costliest hurricane in U.S. history (Hurricane Katrina) led to more than 1,300 deaths along the central U.S. Gulf Coast. Wilma made landfall as a Category 

3 storm along the Gulf Coast of Southern Florida. 

Please visit: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/2005/ann/ann05.html

Signifi cant climate events in 2005. 
12

Estimates of Ocean Heat Content Updated

The Ocean Climate Laboratory of the National Oceanographic Data Center has updated their estimates of post-1955 

ocean heat content. The new work is based on an additional 1.7 million historical and modern temperature profi les 

not previously used. The long-term ocean warming trend previously reported continues and, in conjunction with 

climate-system models, suggests that the warming trend is due to the increase of greenhouse gases in the Earth’s 

atmosphere.

Results documenting interdecadal variability of salinity, steric sea level, and oxygen since 1955 have also been 

published during the past year. 

Please visit: http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/OC5/

New Tsunami Web Pages Focus on the Indian, Pacifi c, and Atlantic Oceans

The National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) provides scientifi c expertise, archive for, and Web access to the 

global historic tsunami event and run-up data, signifi cant earthquake data, geologic hazards damage photo archive, 

volcanic ash advisories, and 

related data. After the December 2004 Indonesia tsunami, 

NGDC received an unprecedented 60,000 visits to the 

Hazards Web site in one week. 

NGDC created tsunami topic 

pages focusing on the Indian, 

Pacifi c, and Atlantic Oceans. 

These pages provide easy access to information on past 

tsunami events affecting these 

areas. This information is part 

of a continuing program to support the interests of engineers, 

oceanographers, seismologists, 

and the general public. Working with the Offi ce of Satellite 

Data Processing and Distribution, NGDC completed the 

rescue of and Web access to 

historic volcanic ash advisory 

data. In addition to the volcanic ash data, the Natural Hazards group at NGDC also now archives and distributes 

NOAA’s Bottom Pressure Recorder data, supporting NOAA’s newest program in tsunami.

Please visit: http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/spotlight/tsunami/tsunami.html

Reprocessing Satellite Data for Climate Studies

Since the launch of the fi rst meteorological satellite in 1960, the record of environmental observations from satellites has grown long enough to study recent climate change. However, reprocessing the collected data is generally 

necessary to ensure accurate intersatellite calibration, which ensures the quality and continuity of long-term climate 

records. 

The Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) aboard NOAA’s polar-orbiting environmental satellites 

is one sensor that can provide valuable information on clouds, surface properties, and even winds. New climate 
13

products from AVHRR data include a higher resolution global vegetation 

index, a climatology of polar winds, and a new sea surface temperature climatology. In addition, a new version of the AVHRR Pathfi nder Atmospheres 

Extended (PATMOS-x) is being generated that will provide atmospheric 

climate records of cloud and aerosol properties. Reprocessed satellite data 

will greatly enhance the potential of using the AVHRR for decadal climate 

studies. These studies enable scientists to examine fundamental processes 

responsible for decadal climate variability and change and assess whether 

changes are due to human infl uences or natural variability.

Please visit: http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/model/ASPB/ASPB_main.html

Global Data Easily Accessible Online

The National Climatic Data Center’s (NCDC’s) Climate Data Online 

(CDO) system now provides easy access to information about global surface weather, marine weather, and climate. Users can search for data by 

country, region, data set, station name, and by map. Data are available for 

the full period of digital record, along with daily updates. 

NCDC, in conjunction with its Federal Climate Complex partners (U.S. Air Force and Navy), developed the global 

Integrated Surface Data (ISD―formerly Integrated Surface Hourly) database to address a pressing need for an integrated global database of surface climatological data. ISD is gradually being expanded to incorporate additional 

sources of surface data. The period of record is 1901 to present, and over 100 original sources are already incorporated into this dataset. The CDO system allows users to select data by region, country, state, and station and for 

any specifi ed time period. 

The International Comprehensive Ocean Atmosphere Data Set (ICOADS) is comprised of data from as early as 

1784 to the present and includes data integrated from numerous sources. CDO allows users to select data by latitude-longitude area for any desired time period. Output formats include the often-used common marine format, a 

space-delimited format, and the ICOADS archive format. 

Please visit: http://cdo.ncdc.noaa.gov/CDO/cdo

Example of hourly global surface data.

The inter-annual variability in high cloud averaged over the month of July for 1983, 1988, 

1993, and 1998. Areas with large amounts 

of high cloud are red; areas with less high 

cloud are blue.
14

Images and Publications Placed Online 

The National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) has 

placed thousands of previously inaccessible publications and images online for the public. The Images and Publications System now provides access to 

fi ve serial publications for the full period of record 

for each publication: Local Climatological Data; 

Climatological Data; Hourly Precipitation Data; 

Monthly Climatic Data for the World; and Storm 

Data. The system also provides access to Cooperative climate data forms completed by voluntary 

observers throughout the country. The Cooperative 

station forms reach as far back as the early 1800s 

for some locations, extending forward to 2005, with 

over 8,000 stations now active. The forms, which 

contain the original (often hand-written) data from 

the voluntary observers, are scanned and provided 

as PDF images. Many additional forms and images 

from historical collections are being added to this 

system. 

Please visit: http://www7.ncdc.noaa.gov/IPS/

Historical Data Previously in 

Hard Copy Now Online 

Researchers and the public now have 

easy online access to data once restricted 

to fi le cabinets and basement storage, 

thanks to the Climate Database Modernization Program. In its sixth year, the 

program expanded in all NOAA operational line offi ces with services to make 

climate and environmental data and information more accessible and easier to 

use. Entering surface and marine weather observations into a computer database 

extended the historical period of record, 

and the data are used in new re-analysis 

projects and climate studies. Historical 

data from Mexico and Africa are available for global climate studies. 

Other historical data rescue activities provide access to data that were previously available to only a few people. 

These rescue activities include data from the National Marine Fisheries Service (lightship observations, fi sh egg 

and larvae, historical plankton); National Ocean Service (shoreline charts, nautical charts, water level gauges); and 

Offi ce of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (hurricane reconnaissance, European ship logbooks). 

Please visit: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/cdmp/cdmp.html

NCDC hand-written observations from 1916.

The number of projects of the NOAA Climate Database Modernization Programs for 

2005 is shown.
15

National Operational Model Archive 

and Distribution System Provides Access to Numerical Weather Prediction 

Models 

To address a growing need for remote access to 

high-volume numerical weather prediction and 

global climate models and data, the National Climatic Data Center, along with the National Centers 

for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) and the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, initiated the 

NOAA National Operational Model Archive and 

Distribution System (NOMADS) project.

NOMADS uses established and emerging technologies to provide access and integrate model and 

other data. NOMADS will promote product development within the ocean, weather, and climate 

communities so that researchers can study multiple 

Earth systems.

Please visit: http://nomads.ncdc.noaa.gov

Powerful New Tool Performs Intersatellite Instrument Calibration

NESDIS has developed a powerful method to quantify the intersatellite calibration biases for certain instruments 

on board the polar-orbiting operational environmental satellites (POES). Quantifying the calibration biases for 

radiometers on board the satellites will permit the construction of high-quality climate data records for climate 

monitoring and re-analyses and for numerical weather prediction.

The method used to determine the bias of one instrument with respect to another is based on Simultaneous Nadir 

Overpass (SNO) observations. A SNO occurs when the nadir points of two polar-orbiting satellites cross each other 

within a few seconds. Such crossings take place in Polar Regions where the satellites’ orbits cross. At each SNO, 

radiometers from each pair of satellites view the same place at the same time at nadir, thus eliminating uncertainties 

associated with the atmospheric path, view geometry, and time differences. Their measurements should be identical. By comparing the measurements of the two satellites during SNOs, it is possible to determine the bias of one 

instrument with respect to the other. 

Please visit: http://www.orbit.nesdis.noaa.gov/smcd/spb/calibration/icvs/index.html

Emerging Product Suite Supports Carbon Cycle Science

Carbon monoxide is not only a contributor to atmospheric greenhouse effect, but also an important component of air 

pollution and a measure of biomass burning. To track this gas, NESDIS investigators from the Offi ce of Research 

and Applications are working with the NOAA Climate Program Offi ce’s Global Carbon Cycle Program This team 

has developed a suite of greenhouse gas products from NASA’s Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS). The team 

is producing daily experimental global greenhouse gas maps that will enable researchers to more clearly defi ne the 

Earth’s carbon cycle, a necessary prerequisite for understanding global climate change. 

Please visit: http://www.ogp.noaa.gov/mpe/gcc/

The NOMADS Web site provides access to high-volume numerical weather 

prediction and global climate models and data. 
16

NOAA and NESDIS Monitor 2005 Antarctic Ozone Hole

NESDIS scientists from the Offi ce of Research and Applications, working closely with scientists at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center and Climate Monitoring Diagnostics Laboratory, continue to monitor the Antarctic ozone 

hole with satellite-based instruments and ground-based ozonesondes. 

These are the fi rst monthly maps of greenhouse gases from satellites. Clockwise from upper left: CO2, CO, O3, CH4. Data are derived from NASA’s AIRS instrument. 

The Southern Hemisphere total 

ozone analysis from NOAA-16 

shows the status of the current 

ozone hole. In September 2005 

the area covered by extremely 

low total ozone values of less than 

220 Dobson Units (DU), defi ned as 

the Antarctic “ozone hole” area, 

reached a maximum size greater 

than 24 million square kilometers. 

Values below 220 DU were not 

observed in the Antarctic before 

the dramatic increases of atmospheric chlorine compounds in the 

1980s.
17

Stratospheric ozone plays a benefi cial role by absorbing most of the biologically damaging ultraviolet sunlight (UVB), allowing only a small amount to reach the Earth’s surface. The absorption of ultraviolet radiation by ozone creates a source of heat, which actually forms the stratosphere. Ozone thus plays a key role in the temperature structure 

of the Earth’s atmosphere. Without the fi ltering action of the ozone layer, more of the Sun’s UV-B radiation would 

penetrate the atmosphere and would reach the Earth’s surface.

The 2005 Antarctic ozone hole formed earlier in the year than the average for the past ten years and, at its maximum, 

covered one of the largest areas seen over the past ten years. This is consistent with continued elevated but slowly 

declining levels of stratospheric chlorine and this year’s dynamics. The polar vortex, the area in which cold polar 

air is trapped by the very strong winds of the Polar Night Jet, was stable and had a large area with temperatures cold 

enough for heterogeneous chemical reactions causing ozone destruction.

Please visit: http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/stratosphere/polar/polar.shtml

Severe Drought Detected in the Horn 

of Africa

In 2005, NOAA satellites detected areas of 

stifl ing drought conditions in parts of Kenya, 

Ethiopia and Somalia for the sixth year in 

a row. These conditions left the region with 

threats of starvation, water shortages, widespread crop losses and disease outbreaks. The 

2005 drought gripped the region, known as 

the Horn of Africa, in January and continued 

to impact areas of eastern Kenya, southeastern 

Ethiopia, and northern and central Somalia. At 

stake was the minor agricultural season, which 

runs from March through May, that normally 

provides enough food to sustain the population 

through the autumn when the next harvest becomes available. The satellite drought index is 

based on observations from the Advanced Very 

High Resolution Radiometer aboard NOAA’s 

polar-orbiting satellites.

Please visit: http://www.orbit.nesdis.noaa.gov/smcd/

emb/vci/

New Stations Installed in U.S. Climate Reference Network 

The U.S. Climate Reference Network (USCRN) is a NOAA-sponsored network managed by the National Climatic 

Data Center. The network is being implemented to provide climate data for climate monitoring and other applications. The long-term observations that will be provided can be coupled with existing observations for the study 

of climate change. During the year, the USCRN established seven stations in the contiguous 48 states. Two were 

installed in Alabama and one each in Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Missouri, and North Carolina. There were also 

new stations installed in Alaska and Hawaii that are part of the Global Climate Observing System. During the year a 

Canadian version of a Climate Reference Network (CRN) station site was installed jointly with Canada at the Earth 

Resources Observation System Data Center of the U.S. Geological Survey in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. USCRN 

will be complete when more than 40 additional stations are deployed across the continental United States by 2009.

Please visit: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/uscrn/

Vegetation conditions in the Horn of Africa from January – May for the years 

2000 to 2005. Drought conditions are indicated by red shading.
18

GOAL 3:

Serve society’s needs for weather and water information.

Nearly one third of the U.S. economy (around $3 trillion) is sensitive to weather and climate. Floods, droughts, hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, and other severe weather events cause $11 billion in damages each year in this country. 

NOAA and our partners seek to provide decision makers with key observations, analyses, predictions, and warnings for 

a range of weather and water conditions, including those related to water supply, air quality, and space weather. NESDIS is deploying new multi-use observing systems and implementing more research fi ndings into NOAA operations with 

less transition time. NESDIS is providing real-time and near real-time data to assist forecasters and water managers.

17
19

NESDIS Monitors Hurricanes During Active 2005 Season

The Offi ce of Satellite Operations provided extensive, real-time support to Federal and local agencies in detecting 

and analyzing signifi cant hurricane activity during the 2005 season. Satellite operations were reconfi gured to provide rapid-scan, 5-minute, high-resolution imaging, thus providing signifi cantly more images than routine scanning. 

During Hurricane Katrina, satellite operations had a 99.2 percent delivery rate and during Hurricane Rita, a 100 

percent delivery rate. 

Hurricane Katrina Radar Data Transmitted in Real-time

For the fi rst time, real-time lower fuselage radar data from the NOAA P-3 aircraft was brought into the National 

Hurricane Center via a satellite phone data link as the P-3 fl ew through Hurricane Katrina. This was the fi rst step 

toward the next-generation of real-time transmission of environmental remote sensing data from the NOAA P-3 aircraft. This represents a vast improvement over the Aircraft-to-Satellite-Data-Link system currently used to transmit 

A view of Hurricane Katrina from NOAA-15 on August 29, 2005.

This is an image of a lower fuselage radar scan from the NOAA P-3 during a fl ight through Hurricane Katrina on August 28, 2005. For the 

fi rst time ever, these data were transmitted off the P-3 and displayed on the ground in real-time. This image depicts the radar refl ectivity 

as seen from the P-3 as it is departing the eye of Katrina toward the Northeast. The eyewall is clearly depicted in the refl ectivity image. 

The image can be compared with a GOES visible image of Katrina from approximately the same time.
20

limited data off the aircraft for operational use 

by National Weather Service (NWS). Data 

collected during hurricanes by these aircraft 

and from a variety of other sources are fed 

into numerical computer models to help forecasters predict how intense a hurricane will 

be and when and where it will make landfall.

This accomplishment represents collaboration among the Ocean Winds program, NOAA 

Aircraft Operations Center, and Remote 

Sensing Solutions, Inc. The transmission of 

even more complex and information-rich data 

from the NOAA P-3 aircraft and, ultimately, 

the NOAA Gulfstream IV aircraft, will prove 

important to operational forecasters and the 

next generation of NWS numerical weather 

models. While this year’s effort was a demonstration, it sets the stage for signifi cant advancements in the quantity and quality of data 

that can be made available to assist hurricane forecasters and analysts in their decision-making process.

Please visit: http://www.aoc.noaa.gov/aircraft_lockheed.htm

Satellite Images Show Hurricane Katrina’s Disruption of Electrical Power

NESDIS’s National Geophysical Data Center has produced nighttime satellite images showing areas of the Gulf 

Coast without power versus areas with normal lights after the passage of Hurricane Katrina. These nighttime 

change images are made by comparing an annual composite against data from one night. The composite is produced using predominately cloud-free portions of low-light imaging data acquired by the U.S. Air Force Defense 

Meteorological Satellite Program over one year. 

The composite on the left is made using data from 2004 compared with data from August 30, 

2005; the composite on the right is made from the same 2004 data compared with data from 

September 11, 2005. The clouds are displayed in blue. Red depicts areas without power. As 

power is restored, the areas in red revert to yellow. 

A NOAA P-3 aircraft took this picture of the eyewall of Hurricane Katrina on 

August 28.
21

The composite was requested and delivered to the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on September 1 and included in a briefi ng to the President. FEMA noted that information 

on the extent of the power outage was diffi cult to obtain via other means.

Please visit: http://dmsp.ngdc.noaa.gov/interest/katrina.html

National Climatic Data Center Produces Hurricane Katrina Report

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the National Climatic Data Center issued a special report that provided a summary of the meteorological conditions, impacts, and climatological perspective from this historic storm. The report 

provides details on the storm, satellite imagery, a history of middle Gulf coast hurricanes, comparisons with Hurricanes Andrew and Camille, and graphs of hurricane frequency, sea surface temperature (SST), and annual accumulated cyclone energy. In addition, the report includes photographs, radar images, and wind shear and SST anomaly 

maps. The report will thus prove useful to meteorologists, climatologists, historians, and others. 

Katrina was one of the strongest storms to impact the coast of the United States during the past 100 years. At one 

stage, Katrina was a Category 5 storm (in the Saffi r-Simpson scale), with wind speeds of 175 mph. At landfall, wind 

speeds were approximately 140 mph (a strong Category 4 hurricane), minimum central pressure was the third lowest on record at landfall (920mb), and hurricane force winds stretched 120 miles from its center, causing widespread 

devastation along the central Gulf Coast states. 

Please visit: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/2005/katrina.html

Hyperspectral Observations Extend Medium Range Weather Forecasts

Experimental weather forecasts at the NOAA-NASA-Department of Defense (DoD) Joint Center for Satellite Data 

Assimilation using NASA’s Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) radiance observations indicate signifi cant improvements in global forecast skill compared to the operational system without AIRS data. The improvement in 

forecast skill at six days is equivalent to gaining an extension of forecast capability of about six hours. This magnitude of improvement is quite signifi cant when compared with the rate of general forecast improvement over the last 

decade. A six-hour increase in forecast range at fi ve or six days normally takes fi ve or six years to achieve at operational weather centers. As a result of these positive impacts, the National Weather Service has begun to assimilate 

AIRS data in its operational numerical weather prediction model, an integral part of the weather forecast process. 

AIRS is the fi rst of a new generation of infrared hyperspectral sounding instruments, providing hyperspectral observations measuring atmospheric temperature and moisture profi les with unprecedented accuracy and providing 

additional information on greenhouse gases. 

Please visit: http://www.jcsda.noaa.gov/

MODIS Wind Observations Improve Weather Forecasts 

The NOAA-NASA-Department of Defense (DoD) Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation has shown that wind 

data derived from NASA’s Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) observations improve the 

accuracy of medium range weather predictions. Based on these results, the National Weather Service will start to 

assimilate these observations in the next upgrade to its global forecast model. The winds are derived using an innovative technique developed by NESDIS researchers. For many years, atmospheric winds have been measured by 

tracking the movement of cloud and water vapor features in consecutive images from a geostationary operational 

environmental satellite (GOES). Hovering over the equator, GOES does not see polar areas. The new technique 

exploits the capability of the polar orbiting MODIS to take snapshots of polar areas only one to two hours apart then 

uses these images to track cloud and water vapor features. MODIS is the fi rst of a new generation of visible and 

infrared imagers that will provide improved imaging capabilities. 

Please visit: http://www.jcsda.noaa.gov/
22

The different colors show the observation tracks of three consecutive orbits of the MODIS 

instrument, about 1.5 hours apart, with the white area representing the overlap area of all 

three orbits. Tests at the Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation show that wind observations, obtained from tracking cloud or water vapor features in the images of two or three 

overlapping orbits, improve medium range weather predictions.

The National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Completes Reviews 

The National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Preliminary Design Review 

(PDR) was successfully completed. The PDR consisted of a thorough review of the entire system design in relation 

to its performance and interface requirements and concept of operations. 

The NPOESS Space Segment completed its spacecraft preliminary design. Instrument performance was validated 

for the Cross-track Infrared Sounder, which will provide improved measurements of the temperature and moisture 

profi les in the atmosphere. Forecasters use temperature and moisture sounding data in advanced numerical weather 

prediction models to improve both global and regional predictions of weather patterns, storm tracks, and precipitation. The NPOESS Ground Segment has also completed PDR. 

Please visit: http://www.ipo.noaa.gov/
23

The National Polar-orbiting Operational Satellite System Completes Reviews 

The National Polar-orbiting Operational Satellite System (NPOESS) Preliminary Design Review (PDR) was successfully completed. The PDR consisted of a thorough review of the entire system design in relation to its performance and interface requirements and concept of operations. 

The NPOESS Space Segment completed its spacecraft preliminary design. Instrument performance was validated 

for the Cross-track Infrared Sounder, which will provide improved measurements of the temperature and moisture 

profi les in the atmosphere. Forecasters use temperature and moisture sounding data in advanced numerical weather 

prediction models to improve both global and regional predictions of weather patterns, storm tracks, and precipitation. The NPOESS Ground Segment has also completed PDR. 

Please visit: http://www.ipo.noaa.gov/

GOAL 4:

Support the Nation’s commerce with information for safe, effi cient, and environmentally sound transportation.

The U.S. economy depends on safe and effi cient transportation systems. The injuries, loss of life and property 

damage from weather-related accidents cost an average of $42 billion annually. In the airline industry, NESDIS data are used to determine the safety of airline routes and fl ight plans. In the marine industry, NESDIS 

data reduce the risk of damage to ships and cargo. For surface transportation, NESDIS data are used to issue weather forecasts and warnings. NESDIS also administers the Commercial Remote Sensing Licensing and 

Enforcement Program, and the Search and Rescue Satellite-aided Tracking system. 

21
24

195 Persons Rescued in United States Using Search and 

Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking 

NESDIS continues to lead a coordinated United States effort to provide 

satellite Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking (SARSAT) capabilities to detect and locate mariners, aviators, and recreational enthusiasts in 

distress anywhere in the world, at any time, and in almost any condition. 

In 2005, in the United States, the SARSAT program contributed to the rescue of 195 persons at sea, in aviation accidents, and in remote areas. Older 

121.5 MHz emergency beacons will be phased out by 2009 and switched 

to 406 MHz beacons. Anyone planning to buy a new beacon may wish to 

take this information into account. The number of users of the new 406 

MHz beacons in 2005 was 16 percent above those in 2004.

SARSAT cooperates internationally to provide the worldwide SARSAT capabilities under the umbrella of the international Cospas-Sarsat Program. 

This past year, NESDIS helped facilitate the relocation of the international 

Cospas-Sarsat Secretariat from London to Montreal. The move will ensure 

that the organization is afforded the same privileges and immunities as other international organizations, reduce operating costs by approximately 15 

percent, and improve the operating fi nancial reserve of the organization.

The SARSAT program has implemented several new communication paths 

to reduce the high cost of domestic and international communications. The program has implemented the use of 

the Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network and the Internet to reduce the overall cost of communications, 

while retaining the required security and reliability.

Please visit: http://www.sarsat.noaa.gov/

NESDIS Provides Remote Sensing Support to U.S. Environmental and 

Transportation Needs

During 2005, NESDIS responded to various requests for imagery and data in support of national environmental and 

transportation needs. The National Ice Center (NIC) responded to requests for high resolution imagery, including 

RADARSAT satellite imagery, during and after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and in support of other national needs. 

Images of the Galveston Bay and Texas-Louisiana border were acquired during Hurricane Rita to support NOAA 

HAZMAT and NOAA Fisheries.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and U. S. Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation Systems 

Data Center asked the NIC to monitor the area inundated by Hurricane Rita. The imagery provided by NIC is important in assessing impacts of the hurricane.

The Niagara River Control Group requested tailored annotated imagery in support of the Ice Boom Project, which 

involves structures for ice control in the Niagara River. The NIC has supported this project since the winter of 

2004-2005.

The National Science Foundation’s River Infl uences on Shelf Ecosystems (RISE) Research Project made a request 

for RADARSAT data. The RISE project has particular interest in fronts and in regions where river water and ocean 

water mix. Due to the dynamic structures of these fronts, RADARSAT images identify the front locations well and 

assist in choosing working locations for research vessels.

Please visit: http://www.natice.noaa.gov/

The U.S. Coast Guard responds to a distress signal to 

save a crew from a stranded vessel.
25

Synthetic Aperture Radar Marine User’s Manual Published

The Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Marine User’s Manual has been published under the sponsorship of the Offi ce 

of Research and Applications. The intended audience is current and future users of SAR data and derived coastal, 

ocean, and ice products. The manual consists of 20 peer-reviewed chapters written by an international group of 

authors from Europe, Canada, and the United States. 

SAR data products include ice analyses and forecasts for safety of vessels at sea and on the Great Lakes; highresolution coastal winds for safety of coastal ocean transportation and aviation; and vessel positions for fi sheries 

management, monitoring, and enforcement. 

Please visit: http://www.sarusersmanual.com/

Report Shows that NOAA Products Benefi t Railroads

A report entitled Economic Value of Selected NOAA Products within 

the Railroad Sector was completed in June 2005 by Centrec Consulting Corporation, under contract to the National Climatic Data Center. 

The report found that for every dollar that railway companies spend 

in acquiring NOAA climate data, they receive a potential savings 

of almost $13,140 in infrastructure costs that would be required to 

maintain their own climate data base storage, archiving, and reporting 

system. Extrapolating the savings to the entire U.S. railway market 

yields a potential benefi t of $11.5 million. The report also found that 

railway companies use NOAA’s e-Government systems 91 percent of 

the time to order their climate data and only 9 percent of the orders 

are received by telephone. This highlights NOAA’s efforts to achieve 

the President’s Management Agenda of expanding e-Government. 

The report is available online at http://www.centrec.com (click on 

“Resources”).

These RADARSAT-1 images show the Sabine Lake in Texas before and after Hurricane Rita. The image on the left was taken on May 26, 

2004. There are no oil slicks evident. The image on the right, taken on September 25, 2005, shows possible oil slicks along the eastern 

shore (north is at top). (RADARSAT-1 images © Canadian Space Agency, 2004 and 2005).

Report on The Economic Value of Selected NOAA 

Products within the Railroad Sector.
26

Convective SIGMETS Available Online

At the request of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the National Climatic Data Center, 

working with NOAA’s Aviation Weather Center 

(AWC), developed a Web site that allows the FAA, 

airlines, pilots, and the general public to view 

monthly distributions of frequency of aviation 

thunderstorm advisories, known as Convective 

SIGMETs (Signifi cant Meteorological information), or CSIGs. CSIGs are issued by the AWC 

as a means of advising aircraft pilots of convective activity that is deemed hazardous to aviation. Each CSIG is a subjectively drawn polygon, 

line, or circle that depicts convection whenever 

specifi ed criteria are met. The location of each 

convective object (cell, area, or line) is based on 

latitude/longitude coordinates, which are made to 

overlay an array of 8km × 8km grid boxes across 

the continental United States and its surrounding 

waters. Maps are currently available for the contiguous United States, four regions of the Nation 

(Northeast, South, Central, and Southwest), the 20 

Air Route Traffi c Control Centers, and 20 of the 

Nation’s major airports. 

Please visit: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/sigmet

NOAA’s Commercial Remote Sensing Licensing Program

A vigorous U.S. commercial remote sensing industry supports critical U.S. national security, foreign policy, and homeland security requirements and advances our economic and technological interests worldwide. Through NOAA, 

the Department of Commerce works closely with other U.S. Government and industry stakeholders to implement a 

comprehensive program for commercial remote sensing licensing and enforcement. NOAA supports the policy-making process for commercial remote sensing, through its participation in a National Security Council-chaired working 

group, and its implementation of relevant Presidential Decision Directives. NOAA also manages the Federal Advisory 

Committee on Commercial Remote Sensing, which advises the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere on short- and long-range strategies for licensing commercial systems. 

To date, more than 30 licenses have been issued, along with over 40 license amendments, and more than 30 foreign 

agreements have been approved. NOAA oversees technical analyses and supports efforts to better characterize 

the remote-sensing market and foreign commercial availability of these sensitive technologies. U.S. companies will 

provide new products and services and intend to play a key role in next generation U.S. defense and intelligence 

programs. The U.S. national interest requires an international leadership position in commercial satellite remote sensing. 

Please visit: http://www.licensing.noaa.gov/

Convective SIGMETs, United States, September 2005.
27

ORBIMAGE... 

Fort Monroe at Hampton, Virginia. 

Courtesy: ORBIMAGE

SPACE IMAGING...

Pascagoula, Mississippi, October 8, 2002, on 

the left, and September 2, 2005, on the right. 

Credit: Space Imaging.

DIGITALGLOBE...

New Orleans levee break at Surekote Road. Image collected August 31, 2005. Credit: Digital 

Globe.
28

GOAL 5: 

Provide Critical Support for the NOAA Mission

For NOAA to achieve its mission goals, strong, effective, and effi cient support activities must be in place. Our 

facilities, environmental satellites, data-processing systems, computing and communication systems, fi nancial 

and administrative offi ces, and our approach to management provide the foundation of support for all of our 

programs. This foundation must support U.S. homeland security by providing services in response to national 

emergencies. To achieve our mission goals, we must also commit to organizational excellence through management and leadership across a corporate NOAA. NESDIS is committed to organizational excellence in facilities, 

infrastructure, security, human capital, and administrative services.

26
29

New Suitland, Maryland, Satellite Facility Reaches 

Final Stages of Construction

During 2005, construction on the new NOAA Satellite Operations 

Facility (NSOF) reached the 98 percent completion mark. The building, in Suitland, Maryland, is scheduled to open in 2006. The new 

facility, which will replace the current World War II era building, will 

house fi ve mission-critical systems and a satellite operations center 

that will operate around the clock, 365 days per year. In addition, it 

will house the U.S. Mission Control Center for the Search and Rescue Satellite-aided Tracking program and the National Ice Center, a 

joint NOAA/Navy/Coast Guard mission to track ice fl oes and issue 

warnings to maritime forces. Critical communications infrastructure 

and mission antennae have been installed, and work is progressing 

on preparing the building for the migration of networks and operational mission systems. 

Please visit: http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories/s1127.htm

NOAA-N Launched 

A new NOAA polar-orbiting operational environmental satellite 

(POES) was successfully launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, 

California, on May 20, 2005. The NOAA-N satellite—designated 

NOAA-18 upon achieving orbit—is critical in the development of a 

global Earth observation program, continuity of operations, and improvement of NOAA’s weather and climate forecasts and U.S. search 

and rescue operations. 

NOAA-18, procured by NASA under an interagency agreement 

with NOAA, continues the POES series with improved imaging and 

sounding capabilities that collect data around the world.

Top left: NOAA-N lifts off from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, on May 20, 2005. Top right: NOAA-18 hydrological product composite for September 18, 2005.

Top: This aerial view shows the new NOAA Satellite Operations Facility in Suitland, Maryland. Bottom: The new NOAA 

Satellite Operations Facility in Suitland, Maryland, will be 

open in 2006.
30

NOAA-18, declared operational on August 30, replaced NOAA-16, a POES spacecraft that had been in operation 

since September 2000, and joined NOAA-17, launched in June 2002, in a constellation of two primary, two backup, 

and two standby polar-orbiting satellites. The global data from these satellites are used extensively in NOAA’s 

weather prediction numerical models and help drive NOAA’s long-range climate and seasonal outlooks, including 

forecasts for El Niño and La Niña.

NESDIS continued the generation of hydrological products with the launch of NOAA-18. Within 120 days of 

launch, the Microwave Surface and Precipitation Products System began delivering operational products for weather and climate forecasts. These products include total precipitable water, cloud liquid water, snow cover and water 

equivalent, sea ice concentration, precipitation rate, ice water path, land surface temperature, and land surface emissivity. Users of the data include the National Weather Service, the U.S. Navy’s Fleet Numerical Meteorology and 

Oceanography Center, and the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. 

Please visit: http://www.orbit.nesdis.noaa.gov/corp/scsb/mspps/main.html and http://www.oso.noaa.gov/ and http://www.oso.noaa.

gov/poes/index.htm

GOES-R Plans Move Forward

Planning for GOES-R, the next generation of geostationary satellites, continued to move forward in 2005. System 

Prime Program Defi nition and Risk Reduction (PDRR) contracts were awarded. These contracts will continue into 

2007 providing information for the Acquisition and Operations program preparation. Four of the fi ve instrument 

contracts were active in 2005 as well, and the PDRR Request for Proposals was released for the fi fth instrument. 

This new series of geostationary instruments advances technology by several decades and will enhance our forecasting capabilities. The technological advances will provide four times the environmental information over a greater 

geographical area in less time and at higher resolutions than the current series. GOES provides an uninterrupted 

fl ow of data for use by NOAA line offi ces including the National Weather Service, other Federal agencies, state and 

local governments, and private organizations.

Current GOES imager in 30 minutes. Future GOES imager in 30 minutes.
31

In addition to the improved spatial resolution and improved spectral resolution, the GOES-R imager will scan approximately fi ve times as fast as the current GOES imager. In only 30 minutes in the “fl ex” scan mode of GOES-R, 

there will be two full-disk, six Continental United States, and 60 mesoscale images. This compares with only four 

images from the current system in the “rapid” imaging mode. 

Please visit: http://www.osd.noaa.gov/goes_R/index.htm and http://www.osd.noaa.gov/goes_R/index.htm

NOAA Central Library Increases Resources

During 2005, the NOAA Central Library increased its NOAA-wide offerings of licensed databases from two to 

four by adding JSTOR® and BioOneTM. These new databases provide online access to the permanent archives of 

scientifi c journals.

JSTOR®, the online archive to scholarly journals, provides online access to the archive of 64 scientifi c journals in 

the Ecology and Botany, General Sciences, and Math and Statistics collections. Examples are the Proceedings of 

the National Academy of Sciences of the United States, 

Scientifi c Monthly, Limnology and Oceanography, and 

Transactions of the American Mathematical Society. 

The second new service, BioOneTM provides access to 

78 additional research journals in the biological, ecological, and environmental sciences. Both JSTOR® and 

BioOneTM are not-for-profi t organizations. The databases complement the current NOAA-wide licenses, the 

Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Abstracts by Cambridge 

Scientifi c Abstracts, and NetLibrary (full text of 106 information technology books).

Please visit: http://www.lib.noaa.gov/

Cross-cutting Priorities 

In meetings with NOAA’s stakeholders and employees, both groups emphasized that NOAA must make our core 

priorities more relevant and effective to support our goals. As a result, NOAA identifi ed fi ve essential activities 

where corporate policy and guidance can ensure that our goals are coordinated in important areas. Each of these 

cross-cutting priorities is guided by a NOAA council, responsible for developing agency-wide policies and procedures in that council’s area. The areas are: 

The areas are: 

 • Developing, Valuing, and Sustaining a World-class Workforce

 • Integrating Global Environmental Observations and Data Management

 • Ensuring Sound, State-of-the-art Research

 • Promoting Environmental Literacy

 • Exercising International Leadership

Developing, Valuing, and Sustaining a World-class Workforce

Accomplishing NOAA’s challenging goals requires an inclusive, diverse, highly skilled, motivated, and effective 

workforce that refl ects the communities we serve. We must develop and maintain a culture that empowers people 

by encouraging creativity, initiative, risk-taking, and open debate. As society evolves, it is essential that we continue to have the scientifi c, technical, and administrative expertise necessary to maintain our leadership. 

Visitors to the NOAA Central Library have online access to data from 

various sources.
32

Diversity

NESDIS recognizes and values diversity in all its forms as being crucial to the successful accomplishment of its 

mission and to the personal and professional growth of its workforce. Diversity management at NESDIS is a 

long-term strategy aimed at bringing in and encouraging a diverse range of individuals to reach their full potential, 

to contribute their talents to mission accomplishment, and to promote a work environment where differences and 

similarities are respected and valued. 

In 2005, the NESDIS Diversity Council, made up of senior leaders and employees from all offi ces and centers, 

recommitted itself to achieving the goals set forth in its fi ve-year Diversity Action Plan. Encouraged by the Council, NESDIS employees participated in a variety of diversity and cultural awareness training programs. NESDIS 

offi ces and centers hired and mentored over 100 summer interns from underrepresented groups, conducted targeted 

outreach and recruitment activities, and sponsored employee recognition programs. 

Please visit: http://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/About/Diversity/diversity.html

National Climatic Data Center’s Student 

Internship Program

The NCDC Intern Program seeks to inspire youth to pursue scientifi c 

and technical careers. The National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) 

hosted 18 students during its 2005 Summer Internship Program. Two 

students were sponsored through the NOAA Graduate Science Program. One is attending the University of Hawaii; the other attends 

the University of Alabama. The remaining students were from various programs including Entry Point sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Oak Ridge Institute for 

Science and Education, Federal Career Intern Program, and the National Environmental Modeling and Analysis Center. The group also 

included several volunteers. 

NOAA Leadership Competencies Development Program

The Leadership Competencies Development Program (LCDP) is a competitive, 18-month program that provides a 

series of training and developmental experiences for a cadre of NOAA employees who have excellent potential for 

Class IV of the Leadership Competencies Development Program.
33

assuming greater leadership responsibilities in the next three to fi ve years. The program fosters a shared understanding of our agency and its mission, vision, and objectives. The LCDP provides a framework for developing future 

senior leaders with NOAA-wide capability. Four NESDIS employees graduated from Class IV in October 2005. 

Please visit: http://lcdp.noaa.gov/

Integrating Global Environmental Observations and Data Management

NOAA depends on an observing system for virtually every activity, including research and discovery, short-term 

warnings of immediate hazards, day-to-day regulatory decisions, and long-range operational forecasting. An integrated Earth observation and data management system will enable NOAA’s resources to be applied more effi ciently 

and effectively by reducing duplication, improving coverage, and providing networks to disseminate information 

when and where it is needed around the world. Through our participation and leadership in national and international global data collection and reporting efforts, we can further integrate NOAA’s observing systems, data, and 

quality control with efforts of other nations to guarantee the best quality and coverage of Earth observing data. 

10-Year Implementation Plan for the Global Earth Observation System of Systems

NOAA worked with an intergovernmental group to develop the 10-Year Implementation Plan for the Global Earth 

Observation System of Systems, which was formally endorsed on February 16, 2005, by 61 countries. This document summarizes the essential steps to be undertaken over the next 10 years to put in place a Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS). The Implementation Plan describes the intended scope of GEOSS and its 

societal benefi ts. NOAA is actively involved in the development and review of the 2006 GEO Work Plan, which 

describes specifi c activities to be undertaken in 2006 to begin implementing GEOSS.

Strategic Plan for the U.S. Integrated Earth Observation System

NOAA played an instrumental role in the development of the Strategic Plan for the U.S. Integrated Earth Observation 

System, published on April 6, 2005. This document, created by the U.S. Group on Earth Observations (USGEO), 

represents the collaborative efforts of over 15 Federal agencies and three White House offi ces. The plan lays out an 

approach for developing an Integrated Earth Observation System (IEOS) envisioned to be the U.S. contribution to 

GEOSS. The plan also identifi es technical and organizational steps required to implement the integrated system. 

NOAA’s Integrated Observation and Data Management System

NOAA’s Observing System Council (NOSC) is developing NOAA’s Integrated Observation and Data Management 

System. This integrated system will be NOAA’s contribution to the U.S. Integrated Earth Observation System. The 

NOSC is defi ning NOAA’s baseline, evolving, and target architectures. The baseline architecture―NOAA’s existing observing systems and observational requirements―provides a benchmark against which all future observation 

and data management activities can be compared. The NOSC is also evaluating a target architecture, providing a 

high-level overview and set of key components and principles to which all observing and data management systems 

must adhere. A new NOAA policy will ensure that all Earth observation and data management related acquisitions 

meet the requirements of the target architecture. 

Ensuring Sound, State-of-the-art Research

At the Earth Observation Partnership of the Americas workshop in Buenos Aires in June 2005, leaders from 15 nations attended a NOAA-sponsored workshop and discussed implementing new strategies to contribute to the Global 

Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), including the exchange of satellite resources to better track weather and climate trends and improving training among scientists in the region. The workshop produced several key 

agreements. For example, NOAA and representatives from the other nations will create joint ventures to develop 
34

satellite sensors for next-generation spacecraft. In addition, as NOAA develops new satellites, it will also 

upgrade ground systems in the countries that receive 

and process the data and train the users who handle the 

information. NOAA and the other national representatives agreed to partner with users of meteorological 

data from the Costa Rican ground station, the non-meteorological data from the Central American Environmental Information System in Panama, and the Montevideo Group University Association. At an important 

side meeting, a formal request was made for NOAA to 

consider the possibility of positioning a geostationary 

satellite between 60°W and 65°W. NOAA representatives also met with Argentine Vice President Daniel 

Scioli to discuss the outcomes of the meeting.

New Hurricane Probability Product

Many factors contribute to the errors in hurricane forecasts. These factors include the uncertainty in satellite 

position and intensity estimates and track, intensity, 

and wind structure errors. A method to combine all sources of errors in hurricane forecasts, based on historical 

probability distributions, was developed as part of a NESDIS project funded by the NOAA Joint Hurricane Test 

Bed. This product will provide emergency managers and other responders a new quantitative tool that can be used 

for cost-benefi t analyses and to optimize hurricane mitigation activities.

This new probability model provides estimates of the likelihood of 34-, 50- and 64-knot winds at any given location 

at 12-hour increments from the beginning of each forecast period out to fi ve days. The probability code was provided to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, where it was run on an experimental basis in real-time in 2005. 

Promoting Environmental Literacy, Including Outreach and Education

NOAA, a global leader in oceanic and atmospheric sciences, has a responsibility to improve public understanding of 

Earth’s dynamic air and water systems and the effect those systems have on all aspects of people’s lives. We work 

with partners in educational institutions and organizations, government agencies at all levels, and private industry 

to build environmental literacy. We seek to educate and inform current and future generations about the changing Earth and its processes, to inspire youth to pursue scientifi c and technical careers, and to improve the public’s 

awareness, understanding, and use of NOAA products and services. 

An example of the fi ve-day cumulative probability of hurricane force (64 knot) 

winds for a forecast for Hurricane Rita from September 2005.

Attendees at the Washington Stakeholders Forum in March 2005.
35

Washington Stakeholders Forum

A Stakeholders Forum, hosted by Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere Vice Admiral Conrad 

C. Lautenbacher, U.S. Navy, (Ret.), was held March 2 in Washington, DC. The purpose of the forum was to apprise 

stakeholders of NOAA plans and developments and obtain stakeholder input and recommendations for consideration as part of the NOAA strategic planning process. Gregory W. Withee, Assistant Administrator for Satellite and 

Information Services, led a breakout session on Earth observations and data management, met with stakeholders, 

and obtained recommendations regarding their future needs, products, and services. 

Please visit: http://www.spo.noaa.gov/dcforum2005_summary.htm

2005 NOAA Data and Information Users’ Workshop

The 2005 NOAA Data and Information Users’ Workshop was held May 

11-13 in Asheville, North Carolina. The workshop had 204 registered participants. Deputy Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere Brigadier 

General Jack Kelly, U.S. Air Force, (Ret.), provided the keynote address. 

He spoke about the status of NOAA data distribution, and participants 

formed breakout groups according to discipline. Dave Jones, President 

and CEO of Storm Center Communications, Inc., and President of the 

Foundation for Earth Sciences, provided an informative dinner speech. 

Please visit: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/usrswkshp/index.html

Exercising International Leadership

Because the infl uence and use of Earth’s oceans and atmosphere affect the economies and ecosystems of every nation, the domain of NOAA’s activities naturally extends across national and continental boundaries. NOAA plays 

a major role in international efforts to meet environmental and ecosystem challenges. We recognize the value of 

our international partners as we learn from their experiences and benefi t by working together on common issues. 

Internationally, we support and promote policies and interests in ecosystem-based management, climate science, 

Earth observation, water management, and weather forecasting. 

International and Interagency Leadership in Earth Observations

NOAA continues to exercise leadership in the development of a coordinated, comprehensive, and sustainable Global 

Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS). Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez led the U.S. delegation 

to Earth Observation Summit-III, February 16, in Brussels, Belgium. Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans 

and Atmosphere Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, U.S. Navy, (Ret.), joined in representing the United States. 

This summit follows the fi rst Earth Observation Summit, co-hosted by then-Secretary of Commerce Donald L. Evans in July 2003, in which all agreed to move toward the development of such a system of systems. 

The fi rst meeting of the newly established Group on Earth Observations (GEO) took place in May 2005. It was 

agreed the United States would continue as Co-Chair and would be a member of the Executive Committee. The objective of this committee is to facilitate and implement decisions of the GEO Plenary between meetings. GEO also 

addressed mechanisms for obtaining scientifi c and technical advice and for interfacing with the user community, as 

well as actions needed to support tsunami warning, response, and recovery. 

For two years, NOAA also provided the Executive Director and Secretariat for the ad hoc GEO. Now that an ongoing GEO has been established, a permanent Secretariat has been appointed, hosted at the World Meteorological 

Organization in Geneva.

Please visit: http://europa.eu.int/comm/research/environment/geo/article_2449_en.htm
36

Earth Observation Partnership of the Americas 

At the Earth Observation Partnership of the Americas workshop 

in Buenos Aires in June 2005, leaders from 15 nations attended 

a NOAA-sponsored workshop and discussed implementing new 

strategies to contribute to the Global Earth Observation System of 

Systems (GEOSS), including the exchange of satellite resources 

to better track weather and climate trends and improving training 

among scientists in the region. The workshop produced several 

key agreements. For example, NOAA and representatives from the 

other nations will create joint ventures to develop satellite sensors 

for next-generation spacecraft. In addition, as NOAA develops 

new satellites, it will also upgrade ground systems in the countries 

that receive and process the data and train the users who handle the 

information. NOAA and the other national representatives agreed 

to partner with users of meteorological data from the Costa Rican ground station, the non-meteorological data from the Central 

American Environmental Information System in Panama, and the 

Montevideo Group University Association. At an important side 

meeting, a formal request was made for NOAA to consider the 

possibility of positioning a geostationary satellite between 60°W 

and 65°W. NOAA representatives also met with Argentine Vice 

President Daniel Scioli to discuss the outcomes of the meeting.

Please visit: http://www.publicaffairs.noaa.gov/releases2005/jun05/noaa05-080.html

Integrated Global Observing Strategy Capacity Building Workshop

NOAA co-sponsored the Integrated Global Observing Strategy (IGOS) Water Cycle Theme Capacity Building 

Implementation Workshop in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in October 2005. Workshop attendees included many water 

resource managers from throughout South America who were focused on learning how to better use satellite data 

from NOAA and other agencies to enhance their management efforts. NOAA highlighted its work on the Earth 

Observation Partnership of the Americas and Global Earth Observation System of Systems and how these initiatives 

will enhance the coordinated management of environmental resources.

NOAA Satellite and Information Service Signs 

Important Geostationary Satellite Backup Agreement

NOAA signed a geostationary backup agreement with the Japan 

Meteorological Agency (JMA) on February 23, 2005, in Tokyo. 

The agreement was signed by Gregory Withee, NOAA Assistant 

Administrator for Satellite and Information Services, and Koichi 

Nagasaka, Director-General of JMA.

This long-term mutual geostationary satellite backup arrangement, similar to an existing arrangement with the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), will help NOAA and Japan mitigate the high costs 

and risks associated with being a satellite operator. By working 

with its partners, NOAA ensures the continental United States will 

have continuous access to geostationary satellite coverage that is critical for severe weather monitoring.

Left to right: Deputy Assistant Administrator for Weather Services John Jones; Assistant Administrator for Satellite and Information Services Gregory Withee; Deputy Under Secretary 

for Oceans and Atmosphere Brig. General Jack Kelly, U.S. Air 

Force, Ret.; Argentine Vice President Daniel Scioli; Director of 

the Comision Nacional de Actividades Espaciales Dr. Conrado 

Varotto; and Director of the Argentine National Meteorological Service Com. Miguel A. Rabiolo. 

NOAA Assistant Administrator Gregory Withee and DirectorGeneral of the Japan Meteorological Agency Koici Nagasaka 

sign the geostationary satellite backup agreement.
37

NESDIS FY 2005 Budget

NESDIS has two primary areas of activity: 

 • Acquisition and construction of satellites 

 and satellite facilities

 • Operational satellite, data, and infor 

 mation services. 

Satellite acquisition and construction of satellite 

facilities account for 80.6 percent of the FY 2005 

NESDIS budget. Operational satellite services and 

data and information services account for the other 

19.4 percent.

35
38

A Look to 2006

I am delighted to begin my service with NOAA at this exciting time. My 23 years at 

NASA should prove to be extremely benefi cial to NESDIS, especially in view of the 

ongoing programs in which NOAA and NASA work as partners. 

As the Nation’s need for environmental data increases, NOAA’s new space and groundbased systems will become operational in the future. NESDIS will see a dramatic increase in the volume of data that is accessed and is planning for the explosive data 

growth. Our emphasis is on improving methods to share and manage the data in 

our current holdings. NOAA is investing in technology components such as spatially 

enabled databases, A Web-accessible Geographic Information System (GIS), and 

virtual data centers.

A new and improved GIS map services interface is now online at the National Climatic 

Data Center, with data from over 50,000 observing stations worldwide. As a new 

feature of the GIS interface, selected data types can be graphed for user-selected 

stations and periods of interest. In 2006, this capability will continue to be expanded 

for additional data types.

The launch of NOAA-18 in 2005 represents the start of a new era of international cooperation. Under an agreement between NOAA and the European Organisation for 

the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), NOAA will provide NOAA18 and a later satellite, NOAA-N Prime, for an afternoon orbit of the globe and carry 

a EUMETSAT instrument—the Microwave Humidity Sounder. In return, EUMETSAT will 

provide and launch three European-built satellites, called MetOp, into morning orbits 

during the next 10 years, carrying key NOAA instruments. The fi rst MetOp launch will 

take place in 2006.

GOES-N, the fi rst spacecraft in the new GOES-N/O/P series, will be launched in 

2006, after unforeseen events delayed the launch in 2005. The satellite features a 

highly stable pointing platform, which will improve the performance of the imager and 

sounder instruments. It also has improved instruments for monitoring the space and solar environment, a new dedicated broadcast capability to be used by the Emergency 

Managers Weather Information Network, and a new digital weather facsimile capability for higher quality transmissions of data and products. 

With an eye toward developing NOAA managers of the future, NESDIS hopes to place 

several of its employees in the next class of the NOAA Leadership Competencies Development Program, which will begin in April 2006.

Mary E. Kicza

Deputy Assistant Administrator

36
39

Administrator’s Awards

Jane A. D’Aguanno - For support of NOAA homeland security 

through leading the Continuity of Operations Working Group and 

management of the Incident Coordination Center.

Bernadette G. Foreman - For spearheading dramatic improvements 

in property accounting and acquisition planning, both in NESDIS and 

throughout NOAA.

Reginald B. Lawrence - For the creation of an innovative plan to 

consolidate two nationally critical satellite data processing and distribution systems-CEMSCS and SATEPS.

Matthew J. Menne - for promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment that encourages community caring and involvement.

Karen Owen - For leadership and administrative support which improved the effi ciency and effi cacy of NOAA’s National Climatic Data 

Center including the development of a multifunctional fi le plan database.

Carolyn Alderman, Jan Charity (NMFS), Elizabeth Hess (OAR) - For 

demonstrating extraordinary leadership and teamwork across NOAA 

line organizations in producing user manuals for the Department of 

Commerce Demonstration Project Performance Payout System. *Please 

note that this award was nominated by another line offi ce.

John L. Lillibridge, Walter H.F. Smith, Cynthia B. Zeigler, George 

M. Sinclair - For rescuing and reprocessing all altimeter data from 

the U.S. Navy Geosat to produce a 20th anniversary edition data 

product. 

Diversity SPECTRUM Awards

Albert Theberge, Nina Jackson, Carmella Davis-Watkins, Robert 

Carey, NOAA Heritage Group - For organizing NOAA’s wealth of 

artifacts into a successful Science Center exhibit.

Gold Awards 

Mitchell Goldberg, Fuzhong Weng, Larry McMillin (retired), John 

Derber (NWS), Russell Treadon (NWS) - For developing techniques 

to assimilate advanced satellite observations into computerized models that will signifi cantly improve weather forecasting. 

Kent Hughes, John Cassidy (NOS), Mary Culver (NOS), Richard 

Stumpf (NOS), Michelle Tomlinson (NOS), Mark Vincent (NOS) - 

For scientifi c achievement in developing and implementing the Harmful Algal Bloom Forecasting System to better protect human health 

and commerce. *Please note that this award was nominated by ORA.

Silver Awards

Changyong Cao, Jerry Sullivan, Andrew Heidinger (NWS) - For 

developing an innovative inter-satellite calibration method that increases the reliability of satellite measurements of global climate 

change. 

Mark DeMaria, Michelle Mainelli (NWS) - For the improvement of 

operational hurricane intensity forecasts through better utilization of 

satellite observations. 

Gary Davis, Kathleen Kelly, Katy Vincent, Glenn Tallia (OGC) - For 

concluding a satellite agreement ensuring access to critical data for 

severe weather forecasting in case of NOAA satellite failure. 

Jeffrey Key, Jaime Daniels - For improving global weather forecasts 

through better utilization of satellite observations over the polar regions. 

Employee and Team Members of the Month

December 2004 Team Member of the Month

Tim Loomis - For dedication in producing the enhanced satellite imagery that was broadcast across the U.S. and around the world during the hectic 2004 hurricane season.

March 2005 Employee of the Month

William Angel - For outstanding service in managing the heavy volume of climate readings from the NOAA National Weather Service 

network of 11,000 volunteer cooperative weather observers around 

the country.

July 2005 Team Member of the Month

Robert Taddei - For excellence and enthusiasm in monitoring changes 

in NOAA’s polar-obiting weather satellites and ensuring continuation 

of critical mission data coverage.

October 2005 Employee of the Month

Jay Lawrimore - For excellence and dedication in improving NOAA’s 

abilities to track U.S. weather and climate.

NESDIS Bronze Nominations

Individual Awards

Jeffrey D. Arnfi eld - For the development of a web-based metadata 

system which ensures the quality and value of climate data archived 

by NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center.

Group Awards

Colleen N. Hartman, Joan Maginnis (DOC OGC), James Walpole 

(OGC) - For concluding the challenging agreement to rebuild the 

NOAA-N Prime satellite, assuring continuity of global environmental 

satellite services. 

Michael Helfert, David R. Easterling, C. Bruce Baker, Debra S. 

Braun, John Jensen, Sharon Leduc, Russell Vose, Tilden P. Meyers

(OAR), Rayford P. Hosker, Jr. (OAR), Richard G. Reynolds (retired 

1/3/2006) - For the establishment of a new climate observing network dedicated to providing defi nitive answers about climate variability and change.

Michael Mignogno, Wilfred E. Mazur, Gary K. Davis, Mark Langstein, (DOC OGC), Lynn Flanagan (DOC OGC) - For critical technical support enabling an agreement to rebuild NOAA-N prime satellite, assuring continuity of global environmental data and services.

Douglas P. Ross, Ryan M. Nelson, Kenneth E. Schmidt, Robert F. 

Summers, Hilery T. Whitehurst, Vickie S. Wright - For developing 

and implementing an online access system for over 700 terabytes of 

environmental data. 

Philip L. Whaley, Albert J. McMath, Jr., Forrest Porch, Michael B. 

Galeone, Margaret L. Skeoch, Steven Briele, John T. Moran, Edward 

C. Hamblin, Frederick White (retired 3/31/05), George B. Linvill

- For management, technical support, and teamwork in meeting NOAA’s goals for providing vital environmental data which supports its 

domestic and international partners. This group is located in Wallops 

Island, VA.
40

Organizational Awards

Fairbanks Command Staff, OSO - For cooperation and teamwork 

by providing unparalleled support to the nation, State of Alaska and 

NASA during the 2004 wildfi re season.

Offi ce of Satellite Operations, Engineering and Management Team 

- For management and technical support in providing vital satellite 

data during the peak of the 2004 hurricane season.

Group Bronze Nominations submitted by other staff and line offi ces 

that include NESDIS employees 

Offi ce of the Under Secretary Nomination

Cheryl Oliver (NOS), William Zahner (NMFS), John Collins (NMFS), 

Luis Gyles (NWS), Patricia Huff (NWS), Nina L. Jackson, Lynette 

Joynes (CAO), Mary Kenefi ck (CAO), Stephen Randall (NOS), Albert E. Theberge, Jr., Carmella Davis-Watkins, Nano Dayo-Otekunrin (CAO) - For the planning and execution of the fi rst annual NOAA 

Heritage Week, Treasures of NOAA’s Ark exhibit and the NOAA Preserve America Initiative Grant Program.

NOS Nomination

Keelin Kuipers, Paul Scholz, Tracy Collier (NMFS), Judith Gray

(OAR), Russell Jackson, Thomas Siewicki, Frank Aikman, Stephen 

Gill, Jeffrey Savadel (NWS), Paul Hirschberg (NWS), Melissa Patterson, Rebecca Smyth, Suzanne Van Cooten (NWS), Michael L. 

Crane - For leadership in establishing the Coastal Storms Program 

and successfully completing the program’s fi rst pilot in Florida.

OAR Nomination

Randall M. Dole, Robert S. Webb, David R. Easterling, Richard R. 

Heim, Jr., Felix Kogan, Connie Ann Woodhouse, Douglas Le Comte

(NWS), Robert Livezey (NWS), Steven Pritchett (NWS), Michael 

Brewer (NWS), Douglas Kluck (NWS), Francis Richards (NWS), 

Charlie Liles (NWS), Scott Rayder - For developing an integrated 

state, local, and federal strategy for a National Integrated Drought 

Information System (NIDIS) endorsed by the Western Governors’ Association.

PPI Nomination

Daniel Farrow (NOS), Elizabeth Davenport (NOS), Nancy Doyle

(NOS), Brent Ache (NOS), Joshua Lott (NOS), Marie Colton (NOS), 

John A. Jensen, Joanne Magoulas, Alfred Merrill Powell, Susan 

Kennedy (PPI), Neil Christerson (PPI), Mike Ford (PPI), Ronla Meiggs (NWS), Rich Fulton (NWS), John Sokich (NWS), Wendy Levine

(NWS), Laura Mervilde (NWS), Kristen Koch (OAR), John Bortniak 

(NMFS), Jim Cohen (NMFS), Robert Ziobro (NMFS), Linda Smith

(NMAO), John Villemarette (CIO), Jennifer L. Heyob (WFMO), Sennen Salapare (CFO), Kevin S. Amos (PA&E ) - For advancement of a 

NOAA-wide performance measurement system to improve organizational delivery of service by creating and promulgating performance 

management principles, standards, guidance, and training.

NOAA Distinguished Career Award

Douglas Namian

Category: Management and Supervision

For exemplary management of complex satellite operational and acquisition budgets for more than thirty-two years of NOAA service.
41

A & O Acquisition and Operations

AVHRR Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer

AWC Aviation Weather Center

CDO Climate Data Online

CIMS Cruise Information Management System

CONUS Continental United States

CORIS Coral Reef Information System

COSPAS Cosmicheskaya Sistyema Poiska Avariynich Sudov 

 (Russian for “Space System for the Search of Vessels in Distress”)

CRN Climate Reference Network

CRW Coral Reef Watch

CSIGs Convective SIGMETs

DMSP Defense Meteorological Satellite Program

DOD Department of Defense

DU Dobson Unit

EEO Equal Employment Opportunity

EUMETSAT European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites

GEOSS Global Earth Observation System of Systems

GIS Geographic Information System

GOES Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite 

GTSPP Global Temperature Salinity Profi le Program

HAB Harmful Algal Bloom

HAZMAT Hazardous Materials

ICOADS International Comprehensive Ocean Atmosphere Data Set

IEOS Integrated Earth Observations System

IGOS Integrated Global Observation Strategy

ISD Integrated Surface Data

JCSDA Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation

JMA Japan Meteorological Agency

km Kilometer

LCDP Leadership Competencies Development Program

MODIS Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer

NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NCDC National Climatic Data Center

NCDDC National Coastal Data Development Center

NCEP National Centers for Environmental Prediction

NESDIS National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service

NGDC National Geophysical Data Center

NHC National Hurricane Center

NIC National Ice Center

NMFS National Marine Fisheries Service

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NOSC NOAA Observing Systems Council

NPOESS National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System

NSOF NOAA Satellite Operations Facility

NWS National Weather Service

OE Ocean Exploration

OPeNDAP Open-source Project for a Network Data Access Protocol

PATMOS Pathfi nder Atmospheres Extended

PDR Preliminary Design Review

PDRR Program Defi nition and Risk Reduction

POES Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite

RISE River Infl uences on Shelf Ecosystems

SARSAT Search and Rescue, Satellite-aided Tracking

SIGMET Signifi cant Meteorological Information

SNO Simultaneous Nadir Overpass

USCRN U.S. Climate Reference Network

USGEO U.S. Group on Earth Observations

WCOS West Coast Observing System

ACRONYMS
42

Hurricane Katrina, August 28, 2005; 1545Z. GOES-12 1 kilometer, visible imagery.

40
431
44

PERSONNEL

ANTONIO A. ABADIA STANLEY JOHN ABNEY DIANA L. ABNEY MARY ADAMS ANDREW L. ADKINS, JR. CAROLYN W. ALDERMAN ALFREDA M. ALEXANDER ANDREW J. ALLEGRA DONALD L. 

ALLEN KHALID M. ALVI KEITH AMBURGEY DAWN W. ANDERS PAMELA JEAN ANDERSON MICHAEL J. ANDERSON GLORIA E. ANDERSON DONNA M. ANDERSON DOROTHY LAMAR ANDERSON 

DAVID M. ANDERSON WILLIAM E. ANGEL STEVEN R. ANSARI JIMI ROBERT ANZELC CHARLENE JO APPERSON ANTHONY ARGUEZ JEFFREY D. ARNFIELD STEVEN M. ATKINS ROBERT M. AUNE 

CAROL A. AUSTIN LYNNE P. AXTELL TERRY VINCENT BABB SHYAM N. BAJPAI CHARLES S. BAKER CLIFFORD B. BAKER EDWARD M. BAKER THOMAS BALDWIN RICHARD T. BALDWIN ANNE O’ 

DONNELL BALL JAMES G. BALLOU BARBARA A. BANKS WALID JUBRAIL BANNOURA RICHARD M. BARAZOTTO CHRISTOPHER DWIGHT BARNET ALVA J. BARNETTE CELSO S. BARRIENTOS ANDREW 

D. BARTON JOHN J. BATES BRUCE BAUER ERIC JUDSON BAYLER JOHN HARGETT BEALL RUSSELL H. BEARD JANICE A. BEATTIE THOMAS WILLIAM BECKER KATHY P. BELFIELD TONI DENISE BELLAMY PHYLLIS BELLAMY PATRICK S. BELOTE EDWARD THOMAS BELOTE, JR. DAVID ARTHUR BENNER EUGENE J. BERRY PAULA E. BERRY LUISA BLANCHFIELD ILISSA BLECH BRIAN G. BLOEDEL 

HAL J. BLOOM MATTHEW W. BODOSKY MARK J. BOLAND JOAN L. BOLTON JULIE A. BOSCH LISA DIANE BOTLUK KAREN A. BOWIE DAVID P. BOWMAN THOMAS LEROY BOYD TIMOTHY PAUL 

BOYER CAROLYN C. BRADFORD JAMES E. BRADY DOUGLAS D. BRAUER DEBRA S. BRAUN CAROL JANE BREGER MARK S. BRIELE DANNY E. BRINEGAR RANDAL B. BRINKER BARBARA D. BROOKS 

TODD HOWELL BROOKS FRANCES BROOKS DONNISE P. BROOKS RICHARD C. BROOKS BRIAN JAMES BROWN DOROTHY BROWN DAVID EARL BROWN WILLIAM O. BROWN CHRISTOPHER 

W. BROWN ALONZO MCCARROL BROWN LINDA A. BROWN CYNTHIA BROWN DANIEL R. BROWN, JR. EMILIE S. BRUCHON ALBERTA BRUNSON JOSEPH P. BRUST, JR. JULIE J. BRYANT 

CHARLES S. BRYANT DONNA S. BUCKLEY CHARLES RODNEY BUCKNER RONALD W. BUHMANN JUSTIN ELLOT BURKET WILLIAM CARY BURKHART THEODORE THOMAS BURLEW, JR. ROBIN SURRETT 

BURRESS MARY R. BURRIS THOMAS R. BUTTON HYRE BYSAL CHERYL A. CALDWELL PATRICK C. CALDWELL LOUIS P. CAMBARDELLA JOHN G. CAMPAGNOLI JOYCE C. CAMPBELL JOHN S. 

CANTER CHANGYONG CAO SHARON D. CAPPS HILL ROBERT M. CAREY THOMAS R. CAREY HOWARD CARNEY, JR. JAN ANITA CARPENTER CHRISTINE MARY CARPINO LILA P. CARR LARRY W. 

CARR DONALD M. CARROLL STEVEN L. CARTER PRESTON S. CARTER SHIRLEY S. CARTER LILLIAN R. CARTER EMILY M. CARTER WILLIAM ANDREW CARTER CHRISTOPHER CARTWRIGHT KENNETH 

SCOTT CASEY JOSEPH K. CATALAN BARBARA P. CATRETT REBECCA CHACKO MICHAEL W. CHALFANT KIMBERLY K. CHAMBERLAIN STANLEY YEE CHING CHAN GORDON MARION CHANCEY PAUL 

SZE PO CHANG LAURA M. CHAPMAN DOUGLAS C. CHARNOCK, JR. SAM MING SAN CHEN HOMER LEE CHERRIX TROY A. CHERRY MAUREEN L. CHIARIZIA ROSA MARIE CHIEDI ERIC G. CHIPMAN 

LUKMAN HIDAYAT CHOLID DEBRA E. CLARK NATHAN BLAINE CLARK DENNIS K. CLARK DAVID M. CLARK CRAIG A. CLARK JOHNNY R. CLARK, JR. PABLO CLEMENTE COLON ERIC C. CLEMONS 

HELEN E. COFFEY ROSALIND E. COHEN MORRIS H. COLE BERRY K. COLEMAN CARLA L. COLEMAN RICHARD A. COLEY SHARON D. COLLEY DONALD W. COLLINS KAY E. COLLINS GUSTAVE 

JULES COMEYNE, III LAURENCE N. CONNOR JEAN REDMOND CONRAD BARBARA COOK BRENDA A. COOKE DENNIS B. COPE THERESSA D. COREN ARLENE A. CRAIG MICHAEL L. CRANE VAN 

D. CRAWFORD ANGELA L. CRENSHAW MICHAEL JAMES CRISON DENNIS E. CROCKETT ROY I. CROCKETT, JR. CHRISTY L. CROSIAR SCOTT L. CROSS JUSTIN A. CROUCH RUBY E. CUBANO MARY 

L. CUMBERPATCH BRENDA LEE CUMBIE JANE ANN DAGUANNO CAROLYN DANTONIO HARRY W. DAHLBERG, JR. KEVIN ANDREW DAILEY JAIME MICHAEL DANIELS JOHN W. JR DAVIS GARY 

K. DAVIS VAUGHN W. DAVIS, JR. MARTIN J. DEISEROTH STEPHEN A. DELGRECO CLAUDE D. DELLINGER MARK DEMARIA SUSAN DEVINE HOWARD J. DIAMOND BENJAMIN LOWELL DIEDRICH 

HANJUN DING KATHY DINKINS GERALD JOHN DITTBERNER DAVID L. DIVINS JEROME W. DORSEY WARREN FRANCIS DORSEY HENRY F. DRAHOS, JR. ANGELA D. DUCKETT PAULA K. DUNBAR 

PATRICK D. DUNSTON MICHAEL R. DURAN IMKE DURRE PARMESH H. DWIVEDI RUSSELL DYSON CARLON MARK EAKIN TINA MARIE EAST DAVID R. EASTERLING DENNIS E. EBERTS MARGARET 

E. ECKARD DAVID MICHAEL EDDY LEON M. ELLISON GARY P. ELLROD JOE D. ELMS STANLEY W. ELSWICK CHRISTOPHER DAVID ELVIDGE MARCUS O. ERTLE EDWARD H. ERWIN TERRI J. ESHAM 

CRAIG JOSEPH EVANEGO ELIZABETH F. EWELL WAYNE M. FAAS JOHN R. FAUERBACH CHARLES J. FENNO CHRISTINE DELORIS FENWICK ALICIA C. FERGUSON ANGELA D. FERGUSON RALPH R. 

FERRARO, JR. ANDREA K. FEY KATHERINE A. FINCHER ROBERT S. FINSON ANNA FIOLEK JEAN M. FITCH MICHAEL W. FITZMAURICE, JR. DANIEL G. FLANAGAN ROBERT P. FLEEMAN STEPHEN E. 

FLEMING KAREN E. FLERLAGE LAWRENCE FLYNN TERRI LYNNE FORD BERNADETTE G. FOREMAN DAVID GAY FORSYTH CHRISTOPHER G. FOX DEBORAH L. FRANKLIN PHALA L. FRANKS HELEN 

V. FREDERICK RICHARD W. FREEMAN GREGG W. FROSTROM PAUL B. FULENWIDER DAVID R. FURLONG MICHAEL B. GALEONE GREGORYM. GALLINA KEVIN P. GALLO HERNAN EDUARDO GARCIA NANCY CORY GARDNER RICHARD LEWIS GAREY ROBERT DAVID GELFELD HELEN J. GIBSON BYRON E. GLEASON KARIN LYNN GLEASON BRENT B. GODDARD HILDA S. GOHRBAND 

MITCHELL D. GOLDBERG DAVID NELSON GOLDSMITH ZACHARY G. GOLDSTEIN GEOFFREY P. GOODRUM LYNN A. GOSS VINCENT GRANO AXEL GRAUMANN DONALD G. GRAY JOSEPH P. 

GREEN TRINA M. GRIFFIN LARRY J. GRIFFIN MARY A. GRIFFIN DORIA B. GRIMES PETER L. GRIMM BYRON GRISHAM, III WENDY S. GROSS INGRID C. GUCH JAMES J. GURKA JOSE M. GUTIERREZ NATHANIEL B. GUTTMAN RAY E. HABERMANN IDA MARIE HAKKARINEN MICHAEL HALES MARK O. HALL ALAN D. HALL NORMAN F. HALL DEVERY L. HALL THOMAS E. HALL EDWARD C. 

HAMBLIN MELANIE A. HAMILTON GREGORY R. HAMMER ANDRE LAMAR HAMMOND CYNTHIA HAMPTON DONG JICK HAN JAY W. HANNA JERRY D. HARDY JAMES R. HARLEY HEIDI HARRIS 

EMILY D. HARROD JAMES S. HAUGHEY SHARON K. HAWKINS KENNETH HAYWOOD ANDREW K. HEIDINGER LISA K. HEILMEIER RICHARD R. HEIM, JR. MICHAEL R. HELFERT SEAN R. HELFRICH 

GRACE M. HENSLEY EDWARD H. HERBRECHTSMEIER RHONDA L. HERNDON ROGER W. HEYMANN BRIAN K. HILL MICHAEL LEWIS HILL DONALD W. HILLGER CONRAD S. HINSON OLIVER DAVID 

HIRSCHFELD CURTIS W. HOLLAND MARY BEAN HOLLINGER KAREN ENGLAND HORAN SEYED A. HOSSEINI TAMARA G. HOUSTON JASON L. HOWARD EDWARD G. HOWARD PAUL E. HUDSPETH 

BRIAN K. HUGHES JOHN P. HUGHES PAMELA Y. HUGHES KENT H. HUGHES BRENDA YOUNG HUMPHRIES ROBINSON LISA S. HURT TOBY M. HUTCHINGS GLENN M. HYATT ALEXANDER IGNATOV 

JOY A. IKELMAN CHERYL L. INGRAM ANTONIO R. IRVING DAVID CRAWFORD IRWIN NINA L. JACKSON SCOTT E. JACKSON RUSSELL L. JACOBS RICHARD FLOYD JAMES LAWRENCE S. JAMES 

STEPHEN J. JANOSKI SARAH A. JENKINS MICHAEL D. JENSEN JOHN A. JENSEN CHERYL MAE JOHNSON GREGORY P. JOHNSON PHILLIP STEPHEN JOHNSON DENNIS L. JOHNSON DAPHNE R. 

JOHNSON MARY M. JOHNSON QUEEN E. JONES MARIA N. JONES RITA A. JUMPER CHARLES KADIN THOMAS R. KARL CYNTHIA B. KARL CARL W. KARLBURG MARIAN ELLEN KATZ WILLIAM 

J. KAYES MARILENE S. KAZIOR KATHLEEN A. KELLY JEFFREY R. KEY JAMIE MATTHEW KIBLER MARY E. KICZA ALEXANDER W. KIDD KATHERINE B. KIDWELL ERIC A. KIHN JASON Y. KIM DONGSOO KIM BEVERLY C. KING JOHN O. KINSFATHER PATRICIA E. KIRK STEVEN P. KIRKNER THOMAS JOSEPH KLEESPIES JOSEPH C. KLEIN MARY K. KLISCHER KENNETH R. KNAPP GARY R. KNEBEL 

KRISTIN MARIE KNISKERN DARREL R. KNOLL ISADORA J. KNOX JOHN M. KOBAR NINA M. KOENICK CHAD E. KOENIG BRENDA KOENIG FELIX KOGAN SHOBHA KONDRAGUNTA DANIEL E. 

KOWAL JOSEPH E. KRAFT JEFFREY A. KROB JOHN M. KUHN ROBERT J. KULIGOWSKI SHELDON J. KUSSELSON LASHAWN BERNICE KYLE DENNIS M. LACKEY SUSAN M. LADENHEIM BABARA 

JANE LANCASTER JOHANNA S. LANG LEON S. LARRY ANNICA MARIE LARSEN BLAKE L. LASHER ISTVAN LASZLO LADONNA K. LAUREN REGINALD B. LAWRENCE JAY H. LAWRIMORE LARRY 

LEON LEDLOW, JR. SHARON LEDUC RENEE A. LEDUC CLARKE KATHLEEN S. LEFEVRE DONNA F. LEFLER RICHARD V. LEGECKIS EUGENE D. LEGG ROBERT H. LEVIN DAVID H. LEVINSON KEITH A. 

LEVINSON SYDNEY LEVITUS JAMES EDWARD LEWIS DARLENE N. LEWIS XIAOFAN LI KIRK J. LIANG JOHN LEE LILLIBRIDGE, III MARK E. LIMBERT DANIEL T. LINDSEY GEORGE B. LINVILL BRIAN 

WILLIAM LITTLE ROSS A. LOBLEIN JOSEPH M. LOCKRIDGE JACK N. LOTT, IV SUSAN E. LOVE BROTAK JOHN LOVING KEVIN EUGENE LUDLUM CHARLES R. MACFARLAND ERIC J. MADSEN JOANNE 

MAGOULAS PATRICIA MAHONEY DENNIS J. MAILHOT KEITH A. MANN DANIEL J. MANNS DEBRA M. MARCHANT KAREN M. MARKS KATHLEEN A. MARTIN JAMES M. MARTIN, JR. BROOKS D. 

MASON KARON R. MATHEWS MICHAEL MATSON EILEEN M. MATURI BILLIE F. MAYBIN WILFRED E. MAZUR DAVID C. MCADOO GARY PATRICK MCBRIEN KIMBERLY IVY MCCARTY MILTON S. 

MCCOWN GARY W. MCCREARY LEWIS DAVID MCCULLOCH DOUGLAS G. MCELREATH ALVIN L. MCGAHEE DAVID F. MCGINNIS MARJORIE P. MCGUIRK KEITH W. MCKENZIE ALITA M. MCKINLEY 

SUSAN J. MCLEAN ALBERT J. MCMATH, JR. DONNA P. MCNAMARA ROBERTA ANN MCQUILKIN EILEEN M. MCVEY AJAY N. MEHTA MATTHEW J. MENNE JAMES L. MENTZER WOLFGANG P. MENZEL NANCY L. MERCKLE EUGENE T. MERRITT SHARON M. MESICK LAURA K. METCALF BARBARA R. METZ DAN R. METZGER MICHAEL MIGNOGNO LAURENCE L. MILLER KAREN L. MILLER ERIC 

JOHN MILLER EDWARD MASON MILLER BARRY L. MILLS DIANE MINISH GARY C. MITCHELL FRANCIS J. MITCHELL TSAN MO DEBRA A. MOLENAR MARILYN I. MOLL ROBERT L. MONEY LINDA 

V. MOODIE DANIEL L. MOORE JEANNETTE A. MOORE CARLA JEAN MOORE JOHN C. MOORE JOHN T. MORAN TAHARA DAHRES MORENO JAMES WILBERT MORRIS KENNETH P. MUGFORD 

DANIEL PATERSON MULLER PATRICIA J. MULLIGAN JOSEPH EDWARD MULLIGAN RONALD W. MUMMA GREGORY S. MUNDY DANIELLA D. MUNGO WILLIAM B. MURPHY MARILYN A. MURPHY 

REGINA ANN MURRAY DERRICK MURRAY WILLIAM STANLEY MUSCOVICH, JR JAMES BRADLEY MUSSMANN ROBERT A. NAGAN DOUGLAS L. NAMIAN SELINA MARIE NAUMAN CHERYL L. NAVE 

BRUCE H. NEEDHAM RYAN M. NELSON BRIAN R. NELSON TERESA JOHNSON NERO ARTHUR C. NEUENDORFFER CARL W. NEWLON VIHA THI NGUYEN CATHERINE L. NICHOLS MURRAY L. NICODEMUS WILLIAM F. NOCK DONALD E. NORTRUP MARK DENNIS NOTO BRADLEE B. NUNN KIMBERLY K. NYE MARY E. OCHERY CHRISTOPHER M. OCONNORS ERIC J. OGATA DAVID C. OGDEN 

JON E. OLSON MICHAEL ERNEST ONDRUSEK KAREN S. OWEN TIMOTHY WILLIAM OWEN JANICE A. OWENS COBBLAH TIM A. OZMUN BONITA S. PAGEL RHONDA J. PALUBA JOHN A. PAQUETTE 

GREGG ANDREW PARENT ANTOINETTE DENISE PARHAM CECIL A. PARIS FREUD POE PARK JAMES THOMAS PARKER WALTER G. PARKS JACKIE L. PASSMORE SAMUEL M. PATTERSON, II MICHAEL 

J. PAVOLONIS CYNTHIA LYNN PAWLISH DEBORA E. PAYNE ERNEST R. PAYNE HERALD ALPHOPSIA PEARSALL VICKI S. PECK PAUL ERNEST PEGNATO JESSICA L. PEJSA RONALD PENN JOHN J. 

PEREIRA JOSEPH M. PEREZ MARLIN O. PERKINS CANDIS PETERSON THOMAS C. PETERSON GARY S. PETTI ROSEMARY PETTIS JOHN R. PHILLIPS CHARLES S. PHILLIPS SHERI A. PHILLIPS WILLIAM 

G. PICHEL LINDA PIKULA KAROL D. PITTMAN MICHAEL F. PORCH ALFRED MERRILL POWELL VIRGINIA M. PRESSLEY LINDA D. PRESTON KENNETH L. PRYOR PETER J. PYTLOWANY STEVEN R. 

QUILLEN STEVEN C. RABER RONALD R. RADEMACHER BRUCE HARRY RAMSAY TRACEY B. RANDALL ROBERT H. RANK JAMES RAY RONALD D. RAY HENRY J. RAY, III ANTHONY L. REALE ROBERT 

J. REDMON JOAN EVELYN REED GEORGE A. REEDY LETECIA PATRICE REEVES ANN M. REISER THOMAS M. RENKEVENS ALAN H. REVELL THOMAS E. REYNOLDS RICHARD G. REYNOLDS RICHARD 

WILLIAM REYNOLDS SHARON J. RICH RASHELLE H. RICHARDSON DEBORAH B. RIDDLE GEORGE E. RIEFLER BARRY S. RIGGIN CARMELO RIVERA JEFFREY M. ROBEL THOMAS W. ROBERTS DARRELL R. ROBERTSON DIANE V. ROBINSON ROBERT LOWELL ROBLIN DONALD E. ROBY JENNIFER E. ROCHESTER MICHAEL D. RODRIGUEZ CAROL S. ROGERS JOSE MANUEL ROSARIO MIGUEL A. 

ROSARIO FELIX THOMAS F. ROSS DOUGLAS P. ROSS LOUIS RUBIN MARK G. RUMINSKI GLENN KEVIN RUTLEDGE STEVEN RUTZ JOSEPH E. SALAZAR LINDA DARLENE SALYERS PATRICIA A. 

SANCHEZ JOHN W. SANNS JOHN FREDERICK SAPPER GEORGE W. SAXTON CHARLOTTE L. SAZAMA JOANN A. SCEIZINA JAMES M. SCHAEFFER STEVEN A. SCHAFFER ELIZABETH J. SCHENCK 

GARDNER WALTER CHARLES SCHLEICHER, JR. KENNETH E. SCHMIDT TIMOTHY J. SCHMIT KURT J. SCHNEBELE DAVID C. SCHOOLCRAFT THOMAS B. SCHOTT RICHARD G. SCHREITZ ALAN L. 

SCHWARTZ RODERICK A. SCOFIELD TAMMY ARLENE SCOTT MARK R. SEIDERMAN GLEN M. SELBY LANCE E. SEMAN HILAWE SEMUNEGUS GEORGE N. SERAFINO JANICE A. SESSING MICHAEL 

S. SETTLES JOHN NORMAN SHADID, JR. JOYCE A. SHAFFER HUGH A. SHARKEY AWDHESH KUMAR SHARMA GEORGE F. SHARMAN, III BONITA D. SHARPE KARSTEN A. SHEIN JAMES R. SHERIDAN 

LEI SHI LESTER C. SHIPLEY, JR. AUGUST L. SHUMBERA, JR. RAYMOND SILFA HERNAN JAMES SILVA JOHN JOSEPH SIMKO MICHAEL T. SIMMONS GEORGE M. SINCLAIR, JR. MARGARET L. SKEOCH 

DONNIE ROBERT SLACK MARK O. SLEEPER PETER W. SLOSS DAVID B. SMITH ALISA BUNDICK SMITH DAVID N. SMITH LAKEL A. SMITH ADAM BARRY SMITH DAVID P. SMITH THOMAS M. SMITH 

JONATHAN M. SMITH ELIZABETH O. SMITH WALTER H. SMITH RHAPSODY RENEE SMITH DEARRING THOMAS E. SMITH, JR. MARSHALL STUBBS SMYLY THOMAS V. SNELL NICOLE A. SOLOMON 

WILLIAM J. SPEIDEL JESSE WILLIAM SPEIDEL TERESSA SPENCER ALBERT B. SPENCER, JR. MICHAEL F. SQUIRES KAREN MICHELE ST. GERMAIN SUSAN M. STARKE LINDA S. STATLER DAVID N. STEIN 

RAYMOND G. STEINER ERIC F. STENGEL GEORGE STEPHENS SCOTT E. STEPHENS PETER M. STEURER JOSEPH W. STINUS JESSE R. STRAND DAVIDA ZARA STREETT ALAN E. STRONG JERRY T. 

SULLIVAN ROBERT F. SUMMERS LEANGCHWAN CHARLES SUN GRACE L. SWANSON DENISE R.SYLVESTER EDWARD VINCENT TABOR CHANG KOU TAI ADELE A. TANGREA JERALD D. TARPLEY, 

JR. KENDRA L. TARVER LISA A. TAYLOR PAMELA M. TAYLOR ROE E. TERRY GENE R. TERRY MARGARET K. TESSIER ALBERT EMIL THEBERGE, JR. JOHN L. THOMAS ADRIENNE M. THOMAS CHARLES 

W. THOMASON, JR. SHELLY THOMPSON RENITA KAYE THOMPSON JEFFREY MARVIN THOMPSON, JR. JOSEPH T. THORNTON CLARENCE W. TIGNOR ARLA BETTINA TILLMAN NICOLAIE TODIRITA 

MICHAEL TOMLINSON ROGER W. TORSTENSON YO KUNG JOHN TSUI MICHAEL A. TURK RACHEL K. TURLEY KEVIN L. TURNER KYLE D. TURNER ROBERT N. TYE ERIC D. UNDERHILL MICHAEL 

L. URZEN JAMES VALENTI CHARLES ANDREW VANCE SARA W. VEASEY KATY MARIE VINCENT FREDERICK A. VIZBULIS RUSSELL S. VOSE BRIAN M. VOSS GARY S. WADE ANGELO G. WADE 

LEESALEE C. WALKER JANET S. WALL STEVEN D. WALLACE CAROL WALLACE TIMOTHY JUSTIN WALSH REGIS JOSEPH WALTER, JR. MENGHUA WANG RODNEY VANCE WARD ANDREW L. 

WARDRETT BARBARA A. WARNICK ROBIN R. WARNKEN DONNA CHRISTIAN WARREN MICHAEL W. WARREN EUNICE FAY WARRINGTON BENJAMIN W. WATKINS CARMELLA DAVIS WATKINS 

JOHN FRANCIS WEAVER ROGER B. WELDON FUZHONG WENG KAY E. WESTON PHILIP L. WHALEY SANDRA C. WHITE JAMES WHITE JOSEPH L. WHITE, IV HILERY T. WHITEHURST HARRY 

DOUGLAS WHITELEY PETER ADAM WILCZYNSKI BRENDA MONA WILKINS DANIEL C. WILKINSON TYRONE LIONELL WILLIAMS ALEXANDER FREDDIE WILLIAMS KEVIN L. WILLIAMS HOWARD F. 

WILLIAMS STEPHANIE JANINE WILLIAMS LINDSEY B. WILLIAMS LINDA J. WILLIAMS DONNA L. WILLIAMS CLAUDE N. WILLIAMS, JR. WAYNE L. WILMOT WILLIAM STANLEY WILSON GREGORY 

W. WITHEE PAUL L. WOFSY VERNELL M. WOLDU WINIFRED F. WOMACK HELEN M. WOOD CONNIE ANN WOODHOUSE CHARLES THOMAS WOOLDRIDGE RUSSELL L. WORMAN VICKIE S. 

WRIGHT THOMAS M. WRUBLEWSKI XIANGQIAN WU DAVID B. WUERTZ ANGELA P. WYATT MARTIN YAPUR JAMES G. YOE HAN YONG SHAROLYN R. YOUNG CARL A. YOWELL STEVEN 

EDWARD ZEGALIA RAYMOND M. ZEHR CYNTHIA B. ZEIGLER HUAI MIN ZHANG LIMIN ZHAO CHENG ZHI ZOU THESE ARE THE PEOPLE OF THE NOAA SATELLITE AND INFORMATION SERVICE 2005!

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Hurricane Wilma, October 21, 2005; 1415Z. GOES-12 1 kilometer, visible imagery.

2005 NESDIS Annual Report Acknowledgements

Reviewers/Editors: Barbara Brooks, Jane D’Aguanno, CDR Frederick Rossmann, Tara Mairs

Senior Technical Writer: Patricia Viets

Layout and Graphic Design: Marc Pulliam
Media Information and Interviews

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