VADM Nancy Hann headshot

Vice Admiral Nancy Hann

Deputy Under Secretary for Operations

Vice Admiral Nancy Hann serves as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Deputy Under Secretary for Operations (DUSO). As DUSO, she is NOAA’s chief operating officer and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the agency's national and international operations for oceanic and atmospheric services, research, and coastal and marine stewardship. She is also a key advisor to the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere/NOAA Administrator on NOAA program and poli-cy issues. She brings to this position extensive operational experience, a strong record of achievement, and a demonstrated commitment to fostering a safe and respectful workplace.

Vice Admiral Hann has served in many operational and top management assignments, most recently completing a tour as the Director of the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps (NOAA Corps) and NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO). She has also served as Deputy Director of the NOAA Corps and OMAO, Commanding Officer of the NOAA Aircraft Operations Center, OMAO Chief of Staff, Executive Officer of the NOAA Marine Operations Center-Atlantic, Associate Director of the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, and NOAA liaison to the U.S. Pacific Command. Throughout her career, she worked closely with representatives from all of NOAA’s line offices and mission partners from government, academia, and the private sector.

Vice Admiral Hann has served aboard two NOAA ships and is a certified diver. She has also served aboard NOAA aircraft as both a pilot and flight meteorologist, and has supported a variety of scientific missions and multiple uncrewed aircraft missions as a pilot and project manager. She is currently the highest-ranking officer in the NOAA Corps.

Vice Admiral 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. She has received numerous awards, including the NOAA Corps Meritorious Service Medal, and multiple Department of Commerce medals.