The move from Seattle to Newport was controversial. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Pacific Operations center officially opens Friday. David Hall with the NOAA's Marine Operations Center says the center operates as a homeport for the four NOAA ships in the Pacific Northwest. Hall says it will provide logistical, engineering, electronics, maintenance and administrative support for the nine ships in NOAA’s Pacific Fleet. Many of those employed at the center moved to Newport from Seattle, where the center has been based until this year. Hall says a variety of ships will move in and out of the port. “Oceanographic research vessels, which monitor the health of the ocean. We also have fishery survey vessels, which collect vital data about fish stocks.” The facility will occasionally be open to the public.