Survey, although via a phased process during 1972 and 1973 they merged with ships temporarily assigned to NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service. Ships formerly assigned to ESSA′s Environmental Research Laboratories consolidated with the NOAA fleet operated by the National Ocean Survey's Office of Fleet Operations. As a reflection of its diversifying responsibilities, the National Ocean Survey was renamed the National Ocean Service in 1983. See also Nancy Foster, former director of the National Ocean Service. References NOS Organization Chart National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Oceanography