The NOAA Corps gained 12 new officers on April 2. The first NOAA Corps Basic Officer Training Class (BOTC) of 2026 graduated after spending 12 weeks as officer candidates and learning skills needed to become leaders in one of the nation’s eight uniformed services.
BOTC is held at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, where NOAA Corps and U.S. Coast Guard officer candidates train alongside each other in a joint officer training program. Before receiving their first assignment, officer candidates take part in the demanding and fast-paced training program, which prepares them for the NOAA fleet.
The classes are conducted through a mixed-learning curriculum involving classroom and hands-on instruction. Conformity to the strict standards of appearance, conduct, and obedience to orders are also stressed and measured. Leadership development is a key component.
Upon completion of BOTC, graduates set out to the NOAA fleet where they operate ships and aircraft that map the ocean and coasts, monitor oceanographic and atmospheric conditions, and support fisheries and weather-related research. The officers in this class will either be heading to one of NOAA’s 15 research vessels, 10 crewed aircraft or a shoreside facility.
Congratulations to the following newly commissioned ensigns.
NOAA Aircraft Operations Center - Science Branch
Ensign Jan-Paul Morillo Acevedo | Bayamon, Puerto Rico
Ensign Bo Yang | Beijing, China
Ensign Joshua Murdock | Overland Park, Kansas
Uncrewed Systems Operations Center - Aircraft
Ensign James Messersmith | Benzonia, Michigan
Ensign Alexis Provencal | Naalehu, Hawaii
Ensign Eric Stein | Oswego, New York
Ensign Katherine Wagner | Fairfax, Virginia
Ensign Madeleine Giordano | Alameda, California
Ensign Chanelle Wilson | Graham, Washington
Ensign Joseph McIntyre | Santa Cruz, California
Ensign Alexandra Strelkow | Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Ensign Kaleena Davis | Tampa, Florida
NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations
Ensign Kaitlyn Lera | Lake Tahoe, Nevada
With a combination of commissioned service and scientific expertise, NOAA Corps officers are uniquely capable of leading some of NOAA’s most important initiatives. Their mission involves contributing to scientific research around the nation, including remote areas, where they assess marine life and the environment. They also support disaster relief operations and play a role in ensuring the safety of waterway navigation. Learn more about the NOAA Corps and how to apply to become an officer.