Please join the discussion on ELT’s and the Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking (SARSAT) with Mr. Mark Turner, current Branch Chief for NESDIS satellite direct services.

NESDIS satellite direct services includes the GOES and Argos data collection systems on the geostationary satellites and polar satellites, real time satellite imagery broadcast services, satellite re-broadcast services (ex GEONETCast Americas), and Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking (SARSAT).

As the SARSAT Program Manager, Mr. Turner has the lead for the inter-agency cooperation between the US Coast Guard, US Air Force and NASA, and represents the U.S. as the lead delegate to the international Cospas-Sarsat Programme.

A 1995 graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Mr. Turner began his career on the USCGC TAHOMA, and in 1997 was selected for flight school, later being designated as a Naval Aviator. During his aviation career, Mr. Turner stood watch at Coast Guard Air Station Astoria, OR., Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak, AK, and Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, FL. He has accumulated over 3500 hours of helicopter time during his career and achieved the designation of Coast Guard Flight Examiner.

Mr. Turner has been honored by the Dandelions as the Coast Guard Exceptional Pilot of the Year, the Naval Helicopter Association’s SAR Aircrew of the Year, and was awarded the Helicopter Association International’s Sikorsky Humanitarian Service Award. Mr. Turner’s awards also includes two Meritorious Service Medals, Air Medal, two Commendation Metals, Achievement Medal and three letter of Commendations .