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Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and members of the Subcommittees. I 

 am Captain Robert Plante, Commanding Officer of the Fleet Nmnerical 

 Meteorology and Oceanography Center in Monterey, CA (more commonly 

 referred to as "Fleet Numerical".) On January 25th, you heard testimony 

 from several renowned scientists and senior executives, both within and 

 outside of Government, who stressed the importance of the marine sciences to 

 the nation's future. Two of the testimonies were presented by Admiral J. M. 

 Boorda, Chief of Naval Operations, and Rear Admiral Paul G. Gaffhey, 

 Commander of the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. 



In his testimony. Admiral Boorda pointed out that "as an island nation, 

 protected from adversaries and linked to partners by the world's great oceans, 

 it is fundamental that the United States understand the surrounding marine 

 environment. " He also explained that "Naval Oceanography embraces 

 research, technology and operational programs not only in traditional 

 oceanography, but also in meteorology, mapping, charting and geodesy, 

 astrometry ... and precise time" as the nation's timekeeper. Admiral Boorda 

 quoted the following recent Naval Oceanography policy statement: 

 "Understanding the oceans is fundamental to our rmtional security as well as 

 to global economic and environmental well-being. A robust competency in 

 oceanography is a core requirement and responsibility of the U. S. Navy, one 

 so vital to the success of our operations that we must lead in focusing 

 rmtional attention on ocean policy and programs. " He committed the Navy 

 to "encourag(ing) enhanced cooperation among the federal agencies, 

 academia, industry, and international organizations in oceanography" . 

 Admiral Boorda went on to describe the Naval Oceanography program 

 structure in science and technology management as well as the operational 



