History of the National/Naval Ice Center

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The close association between NOAA and the U. S. Navy began in 1956 with the collocation of the National Weather Bureau and U.S. Fleet Weather Central, Suitland in Federal Building #4 at the Suitland Federal Complex. One result of this move was close cooperation between the Navy and Department of Commerce to maximize productivity and efficient use of resources without duplicating effort. Later development of weather satellites and the resultant impact of satellite imagery in meteorology and oceanography led to the formation of NESDIS. The value of satellite imagery to global ice analyses and forecasts contributed to the formation of the Joint Ice Center in 1976, comprised of personnel from NOAA (NESDIS) and the Navy (Fleet Weather Facility, Suitland, MD). In 1995, the Joint Ice Center became the National Ice Center as it expanded to include the U. S. Coast Guard. Coast Guard aircraft, icebreakers, and Marine Safety Offices contribute valuable platforms for onsite aerial and ship observations, as well as accurate and timely ship and station reports. Today, interagency cooperation produces rich dividends as the Naval Ice Center (NAVICECEN), NOAA, and the Coast Guard work together to operate the National Ice Center and accomplish the national mission of providing global ice analyses and forecasts. The Commanding Officer of NAVICECEN also serves as the Director of the National Ice Center. Additionally, the NIC enjoys a close international relationship and data exchange with the Canadian Ice Service and the Canadian Meteorological Centre of Environment Canada. The incredible value of joint agency and international cooperation are clearly evident at the NIC. The NIC stands ready to tackle tomorrow's challenges with the same vigor demonstrated throughout its distinguished history.