5.5
Satellite Oceanography in the 21st Century Navy (Invited Presentation)
Walt J. McKeown, Naval Atlantic Meteorological and Oceanographic Center, Norfolk, VA
Operational support of an active global navy requires credible models, advanced satellite imagery and practical oceanographic products. As this material loses operational relevance rapidly, effective oceanographic support requires rapid delivery to distant units.
Satellite imagery and products are gathered, processed and disseminated by the Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVO) to both military and civilian users. In addition to wave models, SST fields and oceanographic features analysis, specialized products such as swimmer visibility and laser performance are available.
Global and regional models are run at Fleet Numerical Meteorological and Ocean-ographic Office. FNMOC produces global products such as wave heights, "nowcasts of ocean temperature patterns, tropical cyclone strike probabilities and a "La Nina/El Nino" situation page.
Finally, five regional centers (Rota, Spain, Norfolk Va., San Diego CA, Pearl Harbor Ha and Yokosuka Japan) provide tailored oceanographic products for Navy ships, submarines, SEALS and Drug Interdiction activities in each of their operational areas. The unique needs of the ships in the Military Sealift Command and Naval Battle Groups requires specialized marine forecasts looking 6 days ahead (both ocean and atmosphere) to avoid bad weather and wavefields affecting the ship's mission.
Session 5, New Technology and Methods (Continued)
Thursday, 18 October 2001, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
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