During a visit to the NWS National Data Buoy Center (NDBC), United States Rep. Gene Taylor (D-MS) presents NDBC Director Paul Moersdorf (left) a copy of House Resolution 488 recognizing NOAA and its employees and partners for their dedication and hard work during Hurricanes Charley, Frances, and Ivan. Congress commended the employees of NDBC, the Tropical Prediction Center/National Hurricane Center, Hydrometeorological Prediction Center, the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron of the 403rd Wing of the Air Force Reserve Command at Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, MS; NOAA's Administration Aircraft Operations Center at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, FL; the Hurricane Liaison Team; the National Ocean Service; and the National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service. Also commended were commercial and media meteorologists for their contributions in disseminating NOAA's forecasts and warnings to the public; and expressed its support for the ongoing hard work and dedication of all who provide accurate and timely hurricane forecasts. Photo by Angela Strong, Program Support Specialist, NDBC.

Meteorologist Ryan Knutsvig helps a group of kids with their science experiments during a recent open house at the Aberdeen, SD, Weather Forecast. Adults got a tour while the kids made barometers and anemometers to take home with them. Photo by WFO Aberdeen Meteorologist-In-Charge William C. Tallman.

Frank Nocera (left), Senior Forecaster, WFO Taunton; Glenn Field (center), Warning Coordination Meteorologist, WFO Taunton; and Lee Chesneau, Senior Marine Forecaster, Ocean Prediction Center, staff the NWS booth at the Newport International Boat Show, Sept. 16-19, 2004. Approximately 1,500 recreational boaters visited the booth, even as the remnants of a hurricane passed overhead. The NWS staff promoted a variety of marine services and products, including the National Digital Forecast Database (NDFD) graphical web-based forecasts for mariners, via laptop and live on-site access to the Taunton website. "The feedback we received from these customers was overwhelmingly positive, especially regarding the NDFD wave height and wind graphics," said Field. "Several people commented that the new voices on NWR are a big improvement. One stated that "NWR is a mariner's best friend." Two weeks later, from Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 2004, NWS-Taunon also was an exhibitor at the Fish Expo in Providence, RI. Approximately 400 fishermen visited the booth during the three days.

From left to right: Data Acquisition Program Manager Tim Kearns, Charles Hanson, Pam Hanson, and Hydrometeorological Technician Ken Gillespie. Recognizing almost 32 years of dedication, The Aberdeen, SD, Weather Forecast Office recently honored Hanson a 2004 recipient of the Thomas Jefferson Award for outstanding service in the Cooperative Weather Observer Program. Hanson established the Artichoke Lake, SD, station Sept. 1, 1972, and records daily precipitation and temperature data. A volunteer for many area organizations, he also provides weather and climate information to the Big Stone Soil and Water Conservation District and local media.

Meteorologist-In-Charge Alan Rezek of the Charleston, WV, Weather Service Office (WFO) presents the Thomas Jefferson Award to Cooperative Weather Observer Betty Thompson of Glady, WV. The award presentation was held in Elkins, WV, on October 18, 2004. Photo by Campbell, Data Acquisition Program Manager, WFO Charleston.

Take a look at other NWS news, as submitted for the NOAA Weekly Report.