Establishing a national high frequency radar network for the U.S. IOOS

Observations of surface currents in coastal waters are one of the most highly desired products in the various national and international ocean observing systems. In the US researchers have created a de facto surface current mapping system with over ninety antennas. This paper will describe the present state of the system in the US and the vision for making it operational. Issues include the transition from research to operations, identifying users, site acquisition, frequency allocation and determination of user needs.