The Rutgers University Center for Ocean Observing Leadership (RUCOOL) integrates across interdisciplinary scientific research, education and outreach using an operational ocean observing system The research efforts are focused on: 1) Understanding & forecasting the ocean for the benefit of society. 2) Developing a sustainable thriving Mid-Atlantic blue economy. 3) Exploring extreme ocean environments on earth. 4) Empowering the science and engineering education for the next generation.