A Guide to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

What is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is a scientific agency grouped within the United States Department of Commerce that is primarily focused on the conditions of the atmosphere and the world’s oceans. Through the use of various resources and field professionals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will warn the public and government officials of matters concerning dangerous weather.

In addition, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will chart the seas and skies, as well as guide the use and protection of the world’s oceans and coastal resources. While evaluating these bodies, the National oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will also conduct research to improve our understanding and stewardship relating to the environment.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is comprised of civilian and government employees. In addition to these employees, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s research and operations are supported by approximately 300 uniformed service members who comprise the organizations Commissioner Officer Corps.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Quick Facts:

The following details outline the administration of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration was formed on October 3rd in 1970

The headquarters of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are located in Silver Spring, Maryland

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is responsible for the jurisdiction over the Federal Government of the United States of America.

The head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is Agency Executive Jane Lubchenco, who was formally nominated by President Barack Obama and subsequently confirmed by the United States Senate on march 18, 2009.

The parent agency of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is the Department of Commerce.

Goals of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration regards itself as informed society that uses a comprehensive understanding of the role of the coasts, the oceans and the atmosphere in the global ecosystem to provide the most efficient and best social and economic decisions.

The agency’s 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.”

In support this mission statement, the national Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has established four specific goals to guide its general operation. Each goal runs parallel to activities which focus on the climate, weather and water, the ecosystem, and commerce and transportation. In a specific sense, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration operate to ensure a sustainable use of resources and to balance competing uses of coastal and marine ecosystems.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also studies changes in climate to ensure that Americans can develop plans and respond properly to alterations in the planet’s ecological system. Additionally, the Administration provides data and forecasts concerning weather and water cycle events, including droughts, floods and violent storms. Lastly, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will provide weather, climate and ecosystem information to ensure the safety and environmental soundness of
transportation.

Government Agency of the Executive Branch:

Government agencies are defined as organizations, councils, and offices operating under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government of the United States of America; each federal agency retains specific administrative jurisdiction over specific facets latent within the operations of the United States Government.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration functions as a government agency under the Executive Branch of the United States government, which is comprised of 3 total branches; in addition to the Executive branch – which is responsible for the regulation and enforcement of operational legislation existing within the United States of America – there also exists the Legislative and Judicial Branches.

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