Seattle Navy League “Adopts” NOAA’s Marine Operations Center-Pacific

Jeanne Kouhestani
OMAO

November 3, 2008 — In a move intended to give it greater visibility and support among local citizenry and officials, the Seattle Council of the Navy League has “adopted” NOAA’s Marine Operations Center-Pacific (MOC-P).

Council President William C. Larson presented an adoption plaque to Capt. Michele G. Bullock, NOAA, commanding officer of MOC-P, at an Oct. 16 ceremony at the Columbia Tower Club in Seattle. Local officials as well as admirals and operational commands from the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard attended the ceremony.

“This gives us the chance to support the NOAA operations center and officers, thank them for their service, and keep the civilian sector in Seattle informed about what they are doing,” Larson said.  “So often the contributions of the uniformed services aren’t noticed unless tragedy strikes and they are seen in action.”

In August this year, the Navy League also adopted Okeanos Explorer when the NOAA ship dedicated to ocean exploration was commissioned in Seattle.

Larson said the Navy League will recognize personnel from the marine center and ship for exemplary achievements on an ongoing basis.  He also expects to host special events and conduct background briefings at high levels as a liaison with NOAA maritime staff, the Seattle business community, and elected officials. 
             
“We at the Marine Center are very grateful to the Navy League for its support of NOAA.  Through this adoption, I hope to have enhanced networking opportunities to get the word out to the community and beyond about what we do and how we do it,” Bullock said.

MOC-P is located on Lake Union in Seattle, and is part of the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations. It supports NOAA’s Pacific fleet of nine fisheries research, oceanographic research, and hydrographic survey ships operating out of Seattle, San Diego, Honolulu, as well as Kodiak and Ketchikan in Alaska.