Abstract
Scientific discoveries and progress are often attributed to a single scientist or to a small team of scientists. Increasingly, we also recognize the important contributions of students, postdocs, and early career researchers. But there is a “village” of people behind the scenes in each institution, in each agency, in each ship and shipyard that allows ocean science to function. This large part of our community makes oceanographic research dynamic and achievable. Yet, many of these people are often not well recognized. How can we best acknowledge the tireless and often invisible workers who make scientists look good?