The NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps (NOAA Corps) is one of the nation’s eight uniformed services and NOAA Corps officers are an integral part of NOAA. With approximately 360 officers and growing, the NOAA Corps supports nearly all of NOAA’s programs and missions. The combination of commissioned service and scientific expertise makes these officers uniquely capable of leading some of NOAA’s most important initiatives. Meet NOAA Corps officer Lt. j.g. Anna Gordon.
Where did you grow up?
I’m a Midwesterner at heart. I grew up in the southwest suburbs of Chicago in Wheaton, Illinois.
Where did you go to school and in what subject did you get your degree(s)?
I attended George Williams College, part of Aurora University, to earn my bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science with a concentration in Sustainability.
What inspired you to become a NOAA Corps officer?
When I was in the U.S. Navy Reserves, it was then I knew I wanted to become an officer. With my degree and experience working with the Environmental Council in Illinois, I could combine service and stewardship with an organization that already exists.
Recognizing the significant overlap between social and environmental injustices is a key motivating factor for me. As a NOAA Corps Officer, I aspire to positively impact underserved communities and serve as a role model for individuals who may not see themselves represented in the career fields they wish to pursue.
What do you do as a NOAA Corps officer?
I recently transferred from NOAA Ship Fairweather where my primary duty was to be an Officer of the Deck. This means while underway I am on the ship’s bridge ensuring safe navigation for surrounding vessels and avoiding any dangers to navigation, while ensuring the ship is where it needs to be to complete the mission. The Commanding Officer and the departments are counting on the Officer of the Deck to set up the ship for success, whether it’s orienting the ship to deploy survey boats, transiting to the next area of operations, or conducting hydrographic surveys with the ship.
My responsibilities have changed drastically since I transferred to my current assignment at NOAA’s Center for Environmental Information (NCEI) in Asheville, North Carolina. This is the part of NOAA that is responsible for storing and distributing data NOAA collects. As the Climate Service Liaison, I am focused on improving systems that coordinate personnel and climate data reports to numerous programs in NOAA and the public. These reports get processed and then are kept in a database where the public can access them. It is exciting to me because this information (collected from satellites, weather stations, buoys, etc.) allows people to see historical and current data which is essential for building a more sustainable nation and helps individuals prepare for whatever area they occupy. I also assist with updating the Continuation of Operations Plan, this is an ongoing effort because the lessons learned from Hurricane Helene are being used to improve the process that already exists. Aside from my main assignment, I volunteered as a Situation Unit Report Liaison which works directly with FEMA and NOAA’s Surge Capacity Force. When major environmental disasters occur NOAA deploys volunteers to the scene to assist with disaster recovery efforts.
Soon after I moved to Asheville, I endured Hurricane Helene which occurred in September 2024. I learned that the auxiliary buckets used to discharge excess water at the North Fork Reservoir Dam were created using NOAA’s data on extreme weather. This reservoir serves as the main drinking water source for Asheville. Without this auxiliary system, there is a high probability the Asheville disaster would have been more severe. This is just one example of how the data NOAA collects has real life impacts.
NCEI has the world’s largest database of environmental (climate, oceanographic and geophysical) data in the world. Converting the historical archived library to a cloudbase system is vital to ensure no information is lost due to physical limitations. User engagement is a huge aspect of distributing information as NCEI is focused on creating platforms that a wide range of people can use. This means incorporating infographics, other languages and websites that update in real-time.
One thing I appreciate about NOAA is the different ways to serve our country. I work with graphic designers, scientists (of many concentrations), mariners, engineers, administrators and data analysts, to name a few. We are motivated by the mission of data collection, processing and providing environmental information that is imperative for people to be better informed and make long-term decisions.
What was one of your favorite missions or experiences?
One of my favorite experiences was working on a near-shore survey off of Mallard Bay in Southeast Alaska, while I was on NOAA Ship Fairweather. These nearshore surveys are to collect hydrographic data, such as depth and seafloor features, to make nautical charts. These surveys were challenging because the area of operations had scarce, old, or no data to work from. However, working with experienced coxswains and hydrographers made it optimal for collecting data. Prince of Wales Island is breathtaking with towering cliffs that meet incredibly clear water. The Alaskan wildlife was also putting on a show with pods of orcas, whales breaching and endless sunsets. It was an unforgettable experience.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a NOAA Corps Officer?
If you are willing to be uncomfortable to experience things that most people only dream about, then do the hard work and commit to the assignment. You become an asset to keep lives and property safe while completing complex and challenging missions. You will be tired, and you may cry, but the memories and relationships you gain will outweigh the struggle if you are willing to rise to the occasion.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I don’t sit still for very long and I try to do as much as possible outside. I volunteer in the community, camp and explore national parks, read books, write letters on my typewriter, ride my motorcycle and keep my plants alive. Most recently I picked up baking and am working on writing a children's book.