President Donald Trump nominated former Navy oceanographer and Rear Adm. Timothy Gallaudet for the number two spot at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Friday, according to a White House statement.

The 32-year Navy veteran will serve as the assistant secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere if confirmed by the Senate.

Gallaudet has a background in weather and ocean forecasting, developing enforcement strategies for illegal fishing, and assessing the effects of climate change on national security, according to the White House.

The president and CEO of the Consortium for Ocean Leadership (COL), a nonprofit representing leading ocean science and technology institutions, applauded Trump’s pick.

“On behalf of the ocean science, education, and technology community and the members of the Consortium for Ocean Leadership, I want to express my appreciation to the president for taking the first step to staff this leadership post,” COL’s Jonathan White said in a statement. “He has chosen someone who has the scientific and oceanographic expertise necessary to fulfill the requirements of this position and whose exemplary leadership, professionalism, and dedication will allow him to serve with distinction.”

“With its mission to understand, predict, and share information about changes in climate, weather, ocean, and coasts and to conserve and manage our nation’s vast coastal and marine ecosystems and resources, NOAA will thrive under his leadership,” White added.

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