Capt. Nancy Hann assumes command of NOAA Aircraft Operations Center in Lakeland, Fla.

Hann relieves Capt. Michael Silah, who served as the center’s commanding officer since March 2016. Silah will lead NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations and the NOAA Corps upon his promotion to rear admiral in September.

“Capt. Silah’s service as AOC’s commanding officer has been exemplary, and we thank him for his dedication and leadership,” said Rear Adm. David A. Score, director of OMAO and the NOAA Corps. “NOAA’s aircraft operations will also be well-served by Capt. Hann, a proven leader who is committed to the safety and success of every mission NOAA flies on behalf of the nation.”

Hann has served in many operational and management assignments during her NOAA career, most recently as OMAO’s chief of staff. Hann has served aboard NOAA aircraft as both a pilot and flight meteorologist, and has supported a variety of scientific missions and multiple unmanned aircraft missions as a pilot and project manager. Hann has also served aboard NOAA ships Miller Freeman and Townsend Cromwell, supporting fisheries surveys and oceanographic research in the Pacific.

Her previous experience includes serving as executive officer at the NOAA Marine Operations Center-Atlantic, associate director at the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, and NOAA liaison to the U.S. Pacific Command. She is a certified diver with many scientific and working dives.

Hann holds a master’s degree in public administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, a master’s degree in aeronautical science and space studies from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and a bachelor’s degree in marine science and biology from the University of San Diego.

Hann lives in south Tampa with her husband and daughter.

Located at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, Fla., AOC is part of OMAO, which includes civilians and officers of the NOAA Corps, one of the nation’s seven uniformed services. The NOAA Corps is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2017.