Michael Silah to lead NOAA Corps and Office of Marine and Aviation Operations

President Donald J. Trump has approved Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross’s selection of Capt. Michael Silah to serve as director of the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps and NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations.

As director, Silah will lead the nation’s uniformed officers of the NOAA Corps and be responsible for the agency’s fleet of research and survey ships, and specialized aircraft including the agency’s “hurricane hunters.”

“Silah is a highly capable and proven leader who gets results on behalf of the American people when and where it matters most,” said Ben Friedman, acting NOAA administrator. He will assume command on September 6 from NOAA Corps Admiral David A. Score, who is retiring after 27 years of distinguished service.

Silah is currently the commanding officer of the NOAA Aircraft Operations Center in Lakeland, Florida. He previously served as chief of staff of Office of Marine and Aviation Operations, aide to the NOAA administrator, and an aircraft commander.  Prior to joining the NOAA Corps, Capt. Silah served over nine years as a U.S. Navy P-3 pilot. He has a strong record of achievement and has received numerous awards, including the NOAA Corps Meritorious Service Medal, and multiple Department of Commerce medals. 

He holds an undergraduate degree in economics from Duke University and a master’s degree in public administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

"Rear Adm. Score has served with honor, respect and commitment,” said Friedman. “I thank him for his lifetime of dedicated service and many contributions to NOAA and the nation.”

The NOAA Corps is one of the seven uniformed services of the United States, and is celebrating 100 years of service to the nation in 2017. NOAA’s fleet of ships and aircraft is operated, managed and maintained by the NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations.