The "NOAA Corps Song" is actually entitled "Forward with NOAA." In 1987-88 the National Association of Commissioned Officers (ACO) was interested in commissioning a NOAA Song. Captain (then Commander) Steve Manzo was a member of the ACO Executive Board and volunteered to assist. Manzo contacted a long-time friend, Bob Arberg. Bob's father, Bud Arberg, had actually written the music and words to the "Army Song" -- while assigned to the Adjutant General's Staff during World War II. Dr. Arberg (former Princeton graduate in music) was retired and he readily volunteered to write a song. Dr. Arberg was provided reference materials on the NOAA Corps. He recognized at the outset that this was an attempt to build NOAA Corps morale and he cautioned that buy-in/acceptance within the Corps would not be easy. The song was first presented at a National ACO Dining-In in either 1988 or 89. Secretary of Commerce William Verity was present, as were both Bud and Bob Arberg. Bud Arberg played the piano and performed the "NOAA Song" to the assembled group of 150 officers and guests. Upon completing the NOAA Song, Secretary Verity graciously presented Dr. Arberg with a small gift of thanks on behalf of DOC/NOAA/NOAA Corps. The music was arranged by MSgt Jari Villanueva of the USAF Band. The words are as follows:

Forward with NOAA
With the Corps that's got it all

Science and Service
We are always there to meet the call

We survey the oceans
And we track storms in the air

Forward with NOAA
We're the NOAA Corps, we're always there

-- Musical Interlude then Repeat --

Forward with NOAA
With the Corps that's got it all

Science and Service
We are always there to meet the call

We survey the oceans
And we track storms in the air

Forward with NOAA
We're the NOAA Corps, we're always there