Richard R. Behn

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Richard R. Behn is a retired Rear Admiral (lower half) of the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps. He directed NOAA’s Marine and Aviation Operations Centers from 2004 to 2007, after being nominated by President George W. Bush and confirmed by the Senate. In that role he oversaw the safe operation of NOAA aircraft and ships, managed about $100 million in the budget, and led more than 500 fleet personnel. The Aircraft Operations Center in Tampa runs NOAA’s fixed-wing aircraft, including the hurricane hunters, while the Marine Operations Centers in Norfolk and Seattle oversee NOAA’s research and survey ships. Several port offices support these operations.

Behn began his NOAA career in 1978 and served on many ships and in various administrative roles. His last sea tour was commanding NOAA Ship McArthur. Before becoming a rear admiral, he was the executive director to NOAA’s Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce and worked on several steering committees, including unmanned aircraft systems and autonomous underwater vehicles. He led NOAA’s 30th anniversary efforts and chaired the Department of Commerce’s Combined Federal Campaign in 1998, raising more than $2.5 million. He earned a bachelor’s degree in physical oceanography from Rutgers University and completed leadership programs.

After leaving NOAA in 2007, Behn and his family opened an Italian restaurant in Cape Coral, Florida, which they ran for three years before selling. He then spent five years as Director of Marine Operations at the University of Miami. He now provides consulting services to the maritime research community. He grew up in Neptune Township, New Jersey, and attended Neptune High School. He is married to Alisa Benincasa and lives in Florida.