Adm. (Ret) Sam DeBow
We’re delighted to announce that our colleague Sam De Bow, Jr., who joined us in 2011 after a career that included service as Rear Admiral at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has been selected to The Marine Board.
Formed in 1965, the Marine Board is a select group of about 20 recognized experts in engineering, coastal development, and Federal marine and water policies. The Marine Board is part of the Transportation Research Board, which in turn is a branch of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
Marine Board members provide expertise to Federal agencies on issues relating to water transportation, harbor and channel infrastructure, shipbuilding, and coastal engineering. Sam’s term will last three years.
Prior to joining Dawson in 2011, Sam spent a career with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. As director of both Marine and Aviation Operations and NOAA’s Commissioned Officer Corps, he oversaw a $200 million annual budget supporting the operations of 20 research ships, 11 aircraft, and nearly 300 Commissioned Officers. In 1996, Sam was Commanding Officer of the NOAA ship RUDE during recovery of TWA Flight 800.
Under Sam’s direction, NOAA became a government leader in the use of GPS, high-resolution side scan sonar, and shallow water multi-beam systems to survey the sea floor.
The Marine Board is supported by core funding from multiple Federal agencies, including the Coast Guard and the Army Corps of Engineers.
Congratulations, Sam! This honor is a wonderful tribute to your expertise and commitment to improving Federal operations!
Don Riley Senior Vice President