Executive Officer/Mate - Richard “Pat” Patana, Hometown: Chinook, WA

Pat grew up in a fishing family, where everyone worked on the water. He began running boats professionally at the age of 16. Pat enjoys being social with the crew when in port, and playing in small boats. He is a world class carver and builds model hydroplanes. Before joining NOAA, Pat worked as a Maritime Instructor at Clatsap Community College in Astoria, OR for 8 years. He has now been with NOAA for over 15 years.

Operations Officer - LT Nicola VerPlanck, Hometown: California

Nicola VerPlanck is originally from California but grew up on a 43ft boat sailing in the South Pacific. She earned a Bachelor of Sciences and Masters of Sciences both in Ocean Engineering from Florida Tech in 2001 and 2003. Before joining the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer her NOAA career included working as part of an ROV team with NOAA's Office of Ocean Exploration in Narragansett, RI and conducting hydrographic survey to update NOAA's nautical charts in Alaska onboard the NOAA Ship Rainier."

Junior Officer, ENS Matthew Griffin, Hometown: Luling, LA

Matthew graduated from the University of New Orleans with degrees in Geography and Anthropology. He then went on to be a Computer Cartographer before joining NOAA Corps. Matthew aspires to be a “good ship driver” for NOAA. Skiing, reading, archaeology and water sports are his hobbies. He also enjoys telling people how absurd it is to jump out of airplanes.

Junior Officer - ENS Benjamin Bloss, Hometown: Akron, OH

Ben graduated from the University of Akron and began with a career in electrical engineering by working in a nuclear plant. He decided to join NOAA because he is interested in pursuing an advanced degree in oceanography, and NOAA offers him a good combination of service and science. Ben enjoys reading, history, HAM radio and sailing. He likes to build wooden sailboats in his garage when he gets bored.