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.