Commanding Officer - CDR Michael D. Francisco, Hometown: Seattle, WA

CDR Francisco has been assigned to the Oscar Dyson since May of 2006, and assumed command in March of 2007. He was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. Mike attended the University of Washington, where he earned a BS degree in Zoology in 1989 and a Master of Marine Affairs degree in 1995.

Prior Sea Assignments:

1999 – 2003 NOAA Ship JOHN N. COBB Commanding Officer

1995 – 1998 NOAA Ship MILLER FREEMAN Executive Officer, Field Operations Officer

1989 – 1992 NOAA Ship DISCOVERER Junior Officer

Other Assignments:

2003 – 2006 NOAA Office of Legislative Affairs, Washington, DC Congressional Affairs Specialist

1998 – 1999 NOAA Marine Operations Center Pacific, Seattle, WA Deputy Chief, Operations Division

1992 – 1995 NMFS Restoration Center Northwest, Seattle, WA Northwest Region Representative