Rear Adm. Nancy Hann Nominated as Vice Admiral, NOAA Operations Undersecretary

NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps Rear Adm. Nancy Hann has been nominated for promotion to vice admiral, with her selection as the replacement of Benjamin Friedman as National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration deputy undersecretary for operations, effective August. Friedman is retiring after eight years of service, the longest tenure for a NOAA operations undersecretary, according to the agency. 

Hann’s new role covers the management of national and global oceanic and atmospheric services, including research and marine and coastal ecosystem stewardship, NOAA said Friday.

Hann has been director of the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps and Office of Marine and Aviation Operations following her Senate confirmation to the position in 2021. The post’s responsibilities include directing the operations of a fleet of nine aircraft, 15 survey ships and uncrewed systems.   

Acknowledging Hann’s experience and leadership, Rick Spinrad, NOAA administrator, said he looks forward to working with Hann as a “key member” of the agency’s management team. Hann’s other previous roles in the agency include leading the Marine Operations Center-Atlantic as executive director and Atlantic Oceanographic and the Meteorological Laboratory as associate director.

As a NOAA Corps officer, Hann has served as a pilot and meteorologist and has performed duties aboard the agency’s vessels supporting Pacific Ocean fisheries surveys and oceanographic research.

The nominee for Senate confirmation to replace Hann as NOAA Corps and OMAO director is Rear Adm. Chad Cary. Meanwhile, the outgoing Friedman will join SUNY Research Foundation as chief operating officer, NOAA said.