Have to call this like we see it, but the current President is behaving like the village idiot if he follows through and guts the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and that appears to be the direction in which he is heading.

Nothing more to be said except to post the resignation letter of the most recent Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere & NOAA Administrator, Richard (aka Rick) Spinrad.

"It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere. My last day was Monday, 20 January, 2025. On my first day at work, I found a note from my predecessor in my desk. It was addressed to “the next NOAA Administrator.” I read it and laughed. It said “Remember, your best asset is your people.” I laughed because that was advice I didn’t need, ...I already knew that. That’s why I took this job. The people and the mission.

I remember when NOAA was first created. I was in high school and had decided that I was going to be an oceanographer. I heard about this new agency, NOAA, “the wet NASA” they called it, and I thought someday I might get a job there. Never imagined, even after I retired as NOAA’s Chief Scientist in 2017, that I’d end up with the top job in this agency. And to my last day on the job, I often suffered from imposter syndrome, in awe of the weight of responsibility and opportunity associated with being Administrator. That will be my message to my successor: “Know the mission; understand it; respect it; and learn to love it.”

Everyone at NOAA gets that message. They embrace the mission every day. They don’t punch a clock. They take calls while picking up kids at day care. They come off vacation for a meeting or pre-brief. They work on a policy document before the family wakes up. They put their hearts, souls, and every fiber of their being into making the world a better place.

And we could never overestimate the impact or importance of everything they have done:

➢  People are alive today because of that work.
➢  New businesses are thriving because of that work.
➢  Ecosystems are healthy because of that work.
➢  And communities are safer because of that work.

In fact, the wonderful communications team at NOAA recently put together a report and video highlighting all the amazing work that our staff and partners did over the last four years (check it out at Investing in America). The improvements to lives, livelihoods and lifestyles are utterly amazing.

Sometimes the gains are hard to see, other times the joy of seeing the impacts of these efforts is pure bliss. And always, the sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among NOAA staff is strong. Our employees regularly earn the respect of strangers, and develop whole new strategies, programs, and procedures where none existed before. Over the last four years I’ve lost track of how many times people have complimented me on the professionalism of our staff. My answer has been the same from day one: “I’m delighted to hear that but not surprised.” At every level, from recently hired new graduates to the most senior political appointees and career staff, NOAA is blessed to have some of the best, most talented civil servants in government. Anywhere. Anytime. Period.

This is my third, and final retirement from federal service (Alanna has reminded me of that!). I cannot imagine leaving on a higher note! I look forward to watching NOAA soar, and seeing the agency continue to grow, and I will cherish the memories of all that we have done together.

As I bid farewell, I am filled with immense gratitude and pride for everything we have accomplished together. The journey has been long and sometimes arduous, but it has also been incredibly rewarding. To each and every NOAA employee and contractor, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for your unwavering dedication, your tireless efforts, and your unyielding passion for the mission.

It is difficult to step away from a place that has been such a significant part of my life, but I do so with confidence in the future. I know that NOAA is in good hands, with leaders and staff who are committed to continuing the legacy of excellence.

As I transition into this new chapter, I carry with me cherished memories and the knowledge that our work has made a difference. To my colleagues, my friends, and my NOAA family, I wish you all the best. Continue to strive for greatness, continue to make an impact, and continue to inspire.
With heartfelt thanks and best wishes,

DRS out."