Xocean has announced the appointment of Shepard (Shep) Smith as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Smith brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the company with his background, having served 28 years as a commissioned officer with the US Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).His 10 years of working at sea included tours in Alaska, the Pacific, and the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and four years as the Commanding Officer and Chief Scientist of the NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson. In his final role with NOAA, he served as Director of the Office of Coast Survey, where he oversaw the US national programs in hydrography and nautical cartography. Smith also represented the United States at the International Hydrographic Organisation and regional hydrographic commissions.
