The Role of Navy METOC Regional Centers and Facilities in the New Millennium: Thoughts from a Sabbatical Tour
Abstract
During FY00, Professors Wash and Rosenfeld of the Naval Postgraduate School's Meteorology and Oceanography Departments, respectively, made extended visits to each of the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command's regional centers and facilities for the purposes of providing training, evaluating the use of METOC data, models, and tactical decision aids, and gathering information to aid in the improvement of the METOC curricula at NPS. This report represents a synopsis of their findings integrated over all of their visits. Three major roles for METOC regional centers and facilities are identified: (1) to be a source of local METOC knowledge and expertise for their area of responsibility, including familiarity with mesoscale circulations and all reliable sources of real-time data and model output; (2) to provide operational support to the fleet, including customized fused products and littoral oceanography products; and (3) to provide training for METOC personnel in regional-specific meteorology and oceanography, and continuing advanced technical training. A major finding is that technical education and training is inadequate to allow METOC personnel to take maximum advantage of the full range of data, models, and tactical decision aids available to them. Weaknesses in the quality-control and verification of METOC analysis and forecast products are also identified. A number of innovative practices at individual commands are recommended for adoption throughout the claimancy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA391834
Entities
People
- Carlyle H. Wash
- Leslie K. Rosenfeld
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School