The parents in this thread are exactly right - this is NOAA. Beyond that, NOAA also has the authority if the NOAA Corp, one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. This service is lead by
Rear Admiral Jonathan W. Bailey, Director of the NOAA Commissioned Corps and Director of the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations and Rear Admiral Philip M. Kenul, Director of Marine and Aviation Operations Centers. The over 300 officers in this corps have access to the further resources of the US Navy and US Coast Guard. This corps provides a diversity of professionals trained in engineering, earth sciences, oceanography, meteorology, fisheries science, and other related disciplines - all experts in their respective fields, all with something to contribute to the "issue" of climate change.
In fact, the NOAA Corps is now recruiting for its 115th Basic Officer Training Class - expanding personnel in key leadership, expertise, and officer roles. Why do we need to waste more government money on yet another pointless, duplicative program? Task these able-bodied professionals with the job - one they are already undertaking.
Want more information?
http://www.noaacorps.noaa.gov/
Wanna join the 115th Basic Officer Training Class?
To be considered for BOTC 115, a complete application package must be submitted to the NOAA Corps Recruiting Unit no later than May 29, 2009. The tentative start date for BOTC 115 is August 30, 2009. More information can be found at:
http://www.noaacorps.noaa.gov/recruiting/index.html.