The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Aug. 21 celebrated the renovation of a port facility in Ketchikan, Alaska, which is expected to support NOAA research vessels and the Ketchikan-homeported NOAA ship Fairweather. “Having a home base for NOAA to operate from in Alaska is integral to our science, and mission to ensure safe navigation and the growth of our blue economy,” NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad said. “This facility incorporates the latest green technology and is climate-ready with a state-of-the art floating pier to accommodate not only Ketchikan’s tidal flux, but future sea level changes.” In April 2021, Alaska-based Ahtna…