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Mariners Weather Log

ISSN 0025-3367

U.S. Department of Commerce
Carlos M. Gutierrez, Secretary

VADM Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr. (USN-Ret.)
Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere

National Weather Service
Dr. John "Jack" L. Hayes
NOAA Assistant Administrator for Weather Services


Editorial Supervisor
John L. Wasserman

Layout and Design
U.S Government Printing Office
Marco Marcegiani

 

Articles, photographs, and letters should be sent to:

Mr. John L. Wasserman, Editorial Supervisor
Mariners Weather Log
NDBC (W/OPS 51)
Building 3203
Stennis Space Center, MS 39529-6000

Phone: (228) 688-1457
Fax: (228) 688-3923
E-mail: robert.luke@noaa.gov

From the Editor


John Wasserman

Greetings shipmates and friends. Welcome to my first of what I hope will be many installments of the Mariners Weather Log (MWL).

First and foremost, I must give my humble thanks to everybody in the VOS program for their patience with me as I learn my way around. Its not easy being the “new guy” and everyone has made me feel welcome, my continued thanks for your support, patience and understanding. I know I have some big shoes to fill and I hope I can do my predecessors and readers proud.

On a sad note, The US VOS program bids a fond farewell to Jack Warrelmann. Jack is retiring after 13 years as a PMO of both the New Orleans, LA and Jacksonville, FL ports. He has done a great job for the VOS program and it has been a pleasure working with him. We all wish him the best of luck.

I have been overwhelmed with requests for re-publishing my photo since it made its debut in the last issue. Actually, this is not true, but I have received several emails asking if I used a mug shot from a recent arrest. Alas no, while the photo was not terribly flattering, I assure you it was taken in house, and not at the local jail. Sorry for any confusion. You may have noticed that the MWL has a new look and feel to it. We are trying something new, some would say a more modern look, and others may say I am just trying to stir things up right away. In either case the designer and I are very pleased with this new format and hope you like it too.

In addition to the marine weather review articles, for which I am forever grateful, this issue features some great material including a piece on the National Data Buoy Center. This article has a special place in my heart for two reasons. First, it was written by my boss and others here where I work. Second, because it highlights some of the work I was doing in my last position. Also, as promised, this issue brings the second article in a three part series from The Mariners Museum in Newport News, VA entitled “Exploration through the Ages.” This piece entitled “Tools of Navigation.” The third installment of this expose will be featured in the December issues.

Please enjoy and drop me a note anytime.
John


On the cover:
17th century Portuguese astrolabe courtesy of Nicholao Ruffo, The Mariners museum

Some Important Web Page Addresses

NOAA http://www.noaa.gov
National Weather Service http://www.weather.gov
National Data Buoy Center http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov
AMVER Program http://www.amver.com
VOS Program http://www.vos.noaa.gov
SEAS Program http://seas.amverseas.noaa.gov/seas/seasmain.html
Mariners Weather Log http://www.vos.noaa.gov/mwl.shtml
Marine Dissemination http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/marine/home.htm
U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms