What Is NOAA?

NOAA stands for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA scientists study the skies and the oceans.

Do you like to go to the beach? NOAA protects the coasts and beaches to make sure the sand and water are clean for you to play in. NOAA studies the fish in the ocean and protects whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals like sea lions and seals.

Do you want to know if you will need your umbrella today? Ask NOAA! NOAA does weather forecasts too!

NOAA scientists do much of this work by using special aircraft and ships. Did you know that NOAA has two big airplanes that fly right into hurricanes? NOAA calls them “hurricane hunters.” NOAA has little planes too that do different jobs.

NOAA has three kinds of ships. Some ships sail across the ocean to study weather. Others catch fish so scientists can see how many and what kinds of fish are in the ocean. NOAA has ships that map the ocean floor so ships can sail safely.

NOAA even has its own service of men and women who wear uniforms! It is called the NOAA Corps. NOAA Corps officers are scientists who drive the ships and fly the aircraft. So the next time you see a weather report on TV, have fish for dinner, or vacation at the beach, think of NOAA. NOAA touches your life in some way, every single day.

Here are a few NOAA Web sites to learn more about NOAA:

• National Oceanographic & Atmospheric Administration
  http://www.noaa.gov
• http://www.education.noaa.gov
• Teacher at Sea Program
  http://www.tas.noaa.gov
• Office of Marine & Aviation Operations (you're here now!)
  http://www.omao.noaa.gov
• http://www.noaawatch.noaa.gov