July 17, 2019
Hello Coast Survey,
As we just celebrated the Fourth of July, I hope that you were able to take some time off to spend with family and friends, watch some fireworks, or head to the beach or mountains. It is important to take some time off to relax and rejuvenate. So if you plan to head out on summer vacations, please be safe and have fun.
Speaking of safety, we are also well into hurricane season and now is the time to prepare if you haven’t already. For all of us who live along the coast and in the potential path of a hurricane, please consider establishing a family emergency plan and know your evacuation zone. It is best to have one in place ahead of a storm or emergency evacuation order. Make sure you update your supervisor with your emergency contact information and take the time to make or restock your emergency preparedness kit. For more information visit https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes.
As summer gets into full swing, millions of Americans take to the water to enjoy the weather and cool off from the summer heat. Many of them rely on the products and services we provide to support their recreation; whether using Booklet Charts™, Print-On-Demand charts, or using electronic navigation systems or apps that display our electronic navigational charts to support kayaking, sailing, or power boating. They depend on our products to help them get off-shore to their favorite fishing or scuba diving spots or to navigate in and around coastal islands, bays, and harbors, whether on the ocean or Great Lakes. I think it is good to take a moment to reflect on how our products and services are used by the general public and take a little pride in our work which supports so much enjoyment for our fellow Americans.
Thank you for your dedication and service to Coast Survey, NOAA, and our nation.
Capt. Jim Crocker
Acting Director, Office of Coast Survey
Chief, Navigation Services Division
