Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (COMNAVMETOCCOM) Rear Adm. Tim Gallaudet represented the U.S. as one of the heads of delegation to the International Hydrographic Organization's (IHO) 1st Assembly hosted in Monaco April 24-28.

"We're excited to be attending the first assembly of the IHO just a month after Task Force Ocean was launched," stated Gallaudet. "This new effort assesses the state of oceanographic and hydrographic infrastructure, technology and technical workforce, and that is exactly why we're all here. The Navy is developing a roadmap that all member states can benefit from."

The IHO was established in 1921 and is composed of 87 member states, including the U.S., and it stands to ensure that all the world's seas, oceans and navigable waters are adequately surveyed and charted. Every three years, IHO hosts an assembly where the member states come together to review progress and adopt programs.

At this session, the U.S. showed support to Japan's proposal on "Resolutions on Response to Disasters," where the country suggests ways to foster cooperation of restoration plans for affected coastal areas as the result of natural disasters. The proposal was approved by the member states. The Inter-regional Coordination Committee (IRCC) will review and make the resolution less restrictive.

"It is important that member states provide mutual support and assistance to support human life and societal recovery when disasters occur, where possible and as resources allow," stated Gallaudet.

The U.S. is also in support of France's proposal to have the IRCC develop a strategy regarding distance learning and traditional learning with the concept of IHO leading an educational portal in hydrography and cartography.

Additionally, Gallaudet met with Vice Adm. Vinay Badhwar of India to discuss ways to increase U.S. and India relations on hydrography and oceanography.

COMNAVMETOCCOM directs and oversees more than 2,500 globally-distributed military and civilian personnel who collect, process and exploit environmental information to assist Fleet and Joint Commanders in all warfare areas to make better decisions faster than the adversary.

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