Overview of the U.S. National Ice Center: History, Mission, Products, and Services

Overview of the U. S. National Ice Center: History, Mission, Products, and Services

The mission of the U. S. National Ice Center (USNIC) is to provide global to tactical scale ice and snow products, ice forecasting, and related environmental intelligence services for the U. S. government. The USNIC is a multi-agency organization, comprised of the U. S. Navy, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the U. S. Coast Guard.

The close association between NOAA and the U. S. Navy began in 1956 with the collocation of the National Weather Bureau and U.S. Fleet Weather Center in Suitland, Maryland. One result of this move was close cooperation between the Navy and NOAA to maximize productivity and efficient use of resources without duplicating effort. Later, the development of weather satellites and the value of satellite imagery to global ice analyses and forecasts contributed to the formation of the Joint Ice Center in 1976, comprised of personnel from NOAA and the Navy. In 1995, the Joint Ice Center became the National Ice Center as it expanded to include the U. S. Coast Guard. Coast Guard aircraft, icebreakers, and Marine Safety Offices contribute valuable platforms for onsite aerial and ship observations, as well as accurate and timely ship and station reports.

Today, interagency cooperation produces dividends as the Navy, NOAA, and the Coast Guard work together to operate the U.S. National Ice Center and accomplish a global mission to provide ice analyses and forecasts. Additionally, the USNIC enjoys close international relationships and exchanges data with the Canadian Ice Service and the Canadian Meteorological Centre of Environment Canada. USNIC is a testament to the incredible value of international cooperation. The USNIC stands ready to tackle tomorrow's challenges and opportunities with the same vigor demonstrated throughout its distinguished history.