Hurricane Center director out

[Dave-Vero]

The Herald says he quit or was ousted.  Not merely "temporarily reassigned."  This possibly brings an end to calls for his ouster by some 20 of the 50 staff.

What an unusual in-the-office storm for a fairly staid agency!

[SubTropicRay]

Now Rappaport is the man.  The big question is why do this in the middle of hurricane season?

[SunnyFl]

The trouble started with Proenza's public statements about the need to replace the QuikScat satellite, which has outlived its projected lifespan.  He was upset that NOAA had planned some big "anniversary" shebang - at a whopping expense - but had trouble funding a replacement for the satellite (although a replacement is being built, I believe).

NOAA apparently sent him a warning letter - it had the tone of a reprimand and was leaked, then printed by the Miami Herald.

A few Congresspersons (including Sen. Landrieu of Louisianna) sided with Proenza and wrote to NOAA to express their opinions.

Recently, the federal govt. sent "investigators" to the NHC to interview staff about Proenza and to determine whether the NHC's effectiveness had been compromised.  This is when 23 of the forecasters signed a petition asking for Proenza's removal.

Lixion Avila (who has been at the NHC forever) joined those forecasters a bit later.  He said that this particular satellite was more important for intensity forecasting than track.  He felt funding should emphasize recon.

Quite a storm at the Hurricane Center.....

Anyway, as recently as this past week, Proenza publicly said he had no intention of resigning.  But it appears that the decision has been made for him.  In any case, whether he's on leave or been reassigned, it's extremely doubtful he'll be back.  So temporarily Ed Rappaport is the Director.  (Rappaport has been there quite a while, I believe.  Seems I've seen his name on quite a few of the Discussions.)

My op - I think it is perfectly acceptable for Proenza to complain publicly about the funding of the satellite.  Matters which concern public safety ought to be made open to the public.  But I have a suspicion there was much more to the forecasters' opposition to Proenza than just his opinion on a satellite.  

What's important is that the NHC can continue to carry out its mission - esp. at this time of year, strife could be quite a distraction, just my op.