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 August 28, 2026  

Message from the Director

Good afternoon, NOAA Corps,

Basic Officer Training Class 148 is officially aboard! On Wednesday, August 26th, I had the honor and privilege of swearing in 11 new Officer Candidates at Camp Nett in Niantic, CT. Hailing from all across the nation, each candidate brings with them to the NOAA Corps a unique background along with a diverse, valuable set of skills and background. Yet, in speaking with them, one common theme immediately stood out: a shared enthusiasm to serve in uniform and support NOAA's vital scientific mission! This is a familiar cornerstone for the NOAA Corps, and I am confident these 11 candidates will be a fantastic fit for our small but mighty service. I look forward to seeing the officers they will become. Best of luck at NCOTC, BOTC 148—I look forward to seeing you in the fleet!

All the Best,

Captain Ryan Wattam, NOAA
Director, Commissioned Personnel Center

BOTC 148 Reporting For Duty

On Wednesday, 26 August, BOTC 148 took the oath of office at Camp Nett in Niantic, CT. Over 30 friends and family attended the ceremony virtually to share in this moment with the 11 new officer candidates. The officer candidates will report to the USCG Academy on Monday, 31 August, and are expected to graduate on November 19th. Thank you to all who had a hand in interviewing, selecting, and onboarding this class. Welcome aboard, BOTC 148!!

BOTC 148 Brown Bag Sessions

NCOTC is once again looking for volunteers from all ranks and career paths to hold 45 minute professional development sessions with the upcoming BOTC 148 class. NCOTC staff would like to expand the students’ exposure to other NOAA Corps Officers so they can meet and learn from as many people in the fleet as possible. Topics covered will primarily focus on the various career paths available in the NOAA Corps and the relationship with the command wardroom.

Please use this Google form to view the list of topics and sign up for a session.  

https://forms.gle/rwvba2ry2pAZSxuKA

While not guaranteed, CPC may have funding to support travel for those interested in an in-person visit and presentation. Due to the dynamic nature of the BOTC program, these dates are the best estimate we have in advance for when the students will be available, but they may be subject to change. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility.

Please email ops.ncotc@noaa.gov or deputychief.ncotc@noaa.gov with any questions.

Fitness and Body Composition Submission Requirements 

Each year, from September 1st through October 31st, NOAA Corps officers are required to provide an updated Personal Fitness Plan, Body Mass Index, and Body Composition Analysis (as needed) via the Nutrition section in OPF online.

You can access the PFP form here.

Please refer to NOAA Corps Directives, Chapter 16, for further guidance.

If you have questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to the Dietitian Nutritionist Program Manager at rachel.saunders@noaa.gov.

CONUS Cost of Living Allowance (COLA)

CONUS COLA rates are updated every calendar year by the Department of War, and members are entitled to receive CONUS COLA if they are stationed in a Military Housing Area designated to have a CONUS COLA rate for that year. CPC recently learned that the Direct Access system was not crediting members with the updated 2026 rates.

The NOAA Corps Payroll Team is working closely with the Coast Guard Pay and Personnel Center to resolve this issue, and we are committed to finding a resolution soon.

While we are proactively attempting to resolve this for all affected NOAA Corps officers, please do not hesitate to submit a payroll ticket via your OPF online if you are experiencing any pay issue.

To find a list of the 2026 CONUS COLA locations, please visit the Defense Travel Management Office’s CONUS COLA website.

On the Horizon 

Approved Resignations, Separations and Retirements

Cyberflash is a NOAA Commissioned Personnel Center publication for active duty and retired members, families and supporters of the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps. Questions? Contact noaacorps.policy@noaa.gov