Harnessing the Power of America's Combat Vets for Marine Conservation with Force Blue | American Blue Economy Podcast

May 24, 2022

Learn how Force Blue supports veterans!

In this month's episode of the American Blue Economy Podcast, our host Rear Admiral (ret) Tim Gallaudet introduces us to Force Blue, a high-impact non-profit supporting veterans mental health through ocean conservation. He'll discuss the organization's origins with CEO Jim Ritterhoff, as well as its coral restoration accomplishments with Dive Operations Director Angelo Fiore. Also joining the show will be Steve "Gonzo" Gonzalez, Special Projects Coordinator, who will discuss Force Blue's partnerships with the NFL and Pepsi, along with new projects to support Gold Star Families and include more veterans in ocean stewardship missions. Be sure to dive in and learn how our veterans and marine conservation are powerful components of the American Blue Economy!

Show Transcription
This transcription was generated by a computer. Please excuse any errors.
Adm. Tim Gallaudet

Rear Admiral Gallaudet, PhD, USN (ret) is the CEO of Ocean STL Consulting. From 2017-2021, he served as the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere / Deputy NOAA Administrator, and from 2017-2019 he also served as the Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere / NOAA Administrator. As Acting Administrator, he led the agency comprised of 20,000 federal employees and contractors managing the nation’s fisheries, coastal resources and waterways, weather satellites, weather services, and environmental research, overseeing a $6B annual budget and daily operations of 18 environmental satellites, 16 oceanographic ships, 9 aircraft, 450 boats, and 400 technical divers, 6 supercomputers, over a dozen laboratories, and several hundred field sites across the country. As the Deputy Administrator, he led NOAA’s Blue Economy activities that advance marine transportation, sustainable seafood, ocean exploration and mapping, marine tourism and recreation, and coastal resilience. Prior to NOAA, Rear Admiral Gallaudet served for 32 years in the US Navy, completing his career as the Oceanographer of the Navy. He has a Bachelor’s degree from the US Naval Academy, and Master’s and Doctoral degrees from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, all in oceanography.