From f04f08547404d5024ad6913816d1da62f91eb860 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Michael Lueken <63728921+MichaelLueken@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Tue, 7 Jan 2025 09:33:00 -0500
Subject: [PATCH] [develop] Correct documentation issue and close out two
 issues (#1169)

The documentation has been failing for the last week due to the https://www.ncep.noaa.gov website being unresponsive. This site URL has been replaced with https://www.weather.gov/ncep/.

The following two issues have also been addressed in this PR:

* ufs-case-studies WE2E tests fail on Derecho in get_extrn_ics/lbcs #1144 - The ufs-case-studies tests are now successfully running through get_extrn_ics/lbcs without issue.
* The default value for FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS and FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS should no longer be "nemsio" #979 - The defaults for FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS and FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS have been changed from nemsio to netcdf. Additionally, the WE2E test configurations that didn't include FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS and FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS have had them added.
---
 doc/UsersGuide/Reference/Glossary.rst          |  2 +-
 .../WE2E/machine_suites/comprehensive.derecho  | 18 +++++++++---------
 .../custom_grids/config.custom_ESGgrid.yaml    |  2 ++
 ...config.custom_ESGgrid_Central_Asia_3km.yaml |  2 ++
 .../custom_grids/config.custom_GFDLgrid.yaml   |  2 ++
 ...id_USE_NUM_CELLS_IN_FILENAMES_eq_FALSE.yaml |  2 ++
 ...d_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16.yaml |  2 ++
 ...s_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RRFS_v1beta.yaml |  2 ++
 ..._FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16_plot.yaml |  2 ++
 ..._3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_HRRR.yaml |  2 ++
 ..._FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16_plot.yaml |  2 ++
 ...13km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_HRRR.yaml |  2 ++
 ..._13km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RAP.yaml |  2 ++
 ...s_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RRFS_v1beta.yaml |  2 ++
 ...ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v15p2.yaml |  2 ++
 ..._FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16_plot.yaml |  2 ++
 ...3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v17_p8_plot.yaml |  2 ++
 ...25km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_HRRR.yaml |  2 ++
 ..._25km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RAP.yaml |  2 ++
 ...s_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RRFS_v1beta.yaml |  2 ++
 ...GFS_suite_GFS_v15_thompson_mynn_lam3km.yaml |  2 ++
 ...ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v15p2.yaml |  2 ++
 ...m_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16.yaml |  2 ++
 ..._3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_HRRR.yaml |  2 ++
 ...s_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RRFS_v1beta.yaml |  2 ++
 ...m_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16.yaml |  2 ++
 ...m_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16.yaml |  2 ++
 ...m_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16.yaml |  2 ++
 ..._13km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RAP.yaml |  2 ++
 ...s_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RRFS_v1beta.yaml |  2 ++
 .../config.different_vcoord.yaml               |  2 ++
 .../config.pregen_grid_orog_sfc_climo.yaml     |  2 ++
 .../config.specify_template_filenames.yaml     |  2 ++
 ush/config_defaults.yaml                       |  4 ++--
 34 files changed, 74 insertions(+), 12 deletions(-)

diff --git a/doc/UsersGuide/Reference/Glossary.rst b/doc/UsersGuide/Reference/Glossary.rst
index 5b60c5b40..f97d022bc 100644
--- a/doc/UsersGuide/Reference/Glossary.rst
+++ b/doc/UsersGuide/Reference/Glossary.rst
@@ -178,7 +178,7 @@ Glossary
 
    NCEP
       National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) is an arm of the National Weather Service
-      consisting of nine centers. More information can be found at https://www.ncep.noaa.gov.
+      consisting of nine centers. More information can be found at https://www.weather.gov/ncep/.
 
    NCEPLIBS
       The software libraries created and maintained by :term:`NCEP` that are required for running 
diff --git a/tests/WE2E/machine_suites/comprehensive.derecho b/tests/WE2E/machine_suites/comprehensive.derecho
index b88ec31bb..593084358 100644
--- a/tests/WE2E/machine_suites/comprehensive.derecho
+++ b/tests/WE2E/machine_suites/comprehensive.derecho
@@ -1,12 +1,12 @@
-#2020_CAD
-#2020_CAPE
-#2019_hurricane_barry
-#2019_halloween_storm
-#2019_hurricane_lorenzo
-#2019_memorial_day_heat_wave
-#2020_denver_radiation_inversion
-#2020_easter_storm
-#2020_jan_cold_blast
+2020_CAD
+2020_CAPE
+2019_hurricane_barry
+2019_halloween_storm
+2019_hurricane_lorenzo
+2019_memorial_day_heat_wave
+2020_denver_radiation_inversion
+2020_easter_storm
+2020_jan_cold_blast
 community
 custom_ESGgrid
 custom_ESGgrid_Central_Asia_3km
diff --git a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/custom_grids/config.custom_ESGgrid.yaml b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/custom_grids/config.custom_ESGgrid.yaml
index 205d32332..b5e03210d 100644
--- a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/custom_grids/config.custom_ESGgrid.yaml
+++ b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/custom_grids/config.custom_ESGgrid.yaml
@@ -24,10 +24,12 @@ task_make_grid:
 task_get_extrn_ics:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_ICS: FV3GFS
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS: nemsio
 task_get_extrn_lbcs:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_LBCS: FV3GFS
   LBC_SPEC_INTVL_HRS: 3
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS: nemsio
 task_run_fcst:
   DT_ATMOS: 40
   LAYOUT_X: 8
diff --git a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/custom_grids/config.custom_ESGgrid_Central_Asia_3km.yaml b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/custom_grids/config.custom_ESGgrid_Central_Asia_3km.yaml
index c6b035ad5..d19621b42 100644
--- a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/custom_grids/config.custom_ESGgrid_Central_Asia_3km.yaml
+++ b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/custom_grids/config.custom_ESGgrid_Central_Asia_3km.yaml
@@ -24,10 +24,12 @@ task_make_grid:
 task_get_extrn_ics:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_ICS: FV3GFS
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS: nemsio
 task_get_extrn_lbcs:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_LBCS: FV3GFS
   LBC_SPEC_INTVL_HRS: 3
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS: nemsio
 task_run_fcst:
   DT_ATMOS: 45
   LAYOUT_X: 12
diff --git a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/custom_grids/config.custom_GFDLgrid.yaml b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/custom_grids/config.custom_GFDLgrid.yaml
index f0b364549..bf9a984ca 100644
--- a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/custom_grids/config.custom_GFDLgrid.yaml
+++ b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/custom_grids/config.custom_GFDLgrid.yaml
@@ -36,10 +36,12 @@ task_make_grid:
 task_get_extrn_ics:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_ICS: FV3GFS
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS: nemsio
 task_get_extrn_lbcs:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_LBCS: FV3GFS
   LBC_SPEC_INTVL_HRS: 3
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS: nemsio
 task_run_fcst:
   DT_ATMOS: 100
   LAYOUT_X: 6
diff --git a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/custom_grids/config.custom_GFDLgrid__GFDLgrid_USE_NUM_CELLS_IN_FILENAMES_eq_FALSE.yaml b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/custom_grids/config.custom_GFDLgrid__GFDLgrid_USE_NUM_CELLS_IN_FILENAMES_eq_FALSE.yaml
index 90eaf0ef5..c0205f9ab 100644
--- a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/custom_grids/config.custom_GFDLgrid__GFDLgrid_USE_NUM_CELLS_IN_FILENAMES_eq_FALSE.yaml
+++ b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/custom_grids/config.custom_GFDLgrid__GFDLgrid_USE_NUM_CELLS_IN_FILENAMES_eq_FALSE.yaml
@@ -30,10 +30,12 @@ task_make_grid:
 task_get_extrn_ics:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_ICS: FV3GFS
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS: nemsio
 task_get_extrn_lbcs:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_LBCS: FV3GFS
   LBC_SPEC_INTVL_HRS: 3
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS: nemsio
 task_run_fcst:
   DT_ATMOS: 100
   LAYOUT_X: 6
diff --git a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_CONUS_25km_GFDLgrid_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16.yaml b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_CONUS_25km_GFDLgrid_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16.yaml
index 98f586e70..f2b224af8 100644
--- a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_CONUS_25km_GFDLgrid_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16.yaml
+++ b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_CONUS_25km_GFDLgrid_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16.yaml
@@ -16,7 +16,9 @@ workflow:
 task_get_extrn_ics:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_ICS: FV3GFS
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS: nemsio
 task_get_extrn_lbcs:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_LBCS: FV3GFS
   LBC_SPEC_INTVL_HRS: 3
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS: nemsio
diff --git a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_CONUS_3km_GFDLgrid_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RRFS_v1beta.yaml b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_CONUS_3km_GFDLgrid_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RRFS_v1beta.yaml
index f4c40bf72..46949d493 100644
--- a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_CONUS_3km_GFDLgrid_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RRFS_v1beta.yaml
+++ b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_CONUS_3km_GFDLgrid_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RRFS_v1beta.yaml
@@ -16,7 +16,9 @@ workflow:
 task_get_extrn_ics:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_ICS: FV3GFS
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS: nemsio
 task_get_extrn_lbcs:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_LBCS: FV3GFS
   LBC_SPEC_INTVL_HRS: 3
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS: nemsio
diff --git a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_AK_13km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16_plot.yaml b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_AK_13km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16_plot.yaml
index 9b3784cd9..5994fa112 100644
--- a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_AK_13km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16_plot.yaml
+++ b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_AK_13km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16_plot.yaml
@@ -18,10 +18,12 @@ rocoto:
 task_get_extrn_ics:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_ICS: FV3GFS
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS: nemsio
 task_get_extrn_lbcs:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_LBCS: FV3GFS
   LBC_SPEC_INTVL_HRS: 6
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS: nemsio
 task_run_fcst:
   OMP_NUM_THREADS_RUN_FCST: 1
 task_plot_allvars:
diff --git a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_AK_3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_HRRR.yaml b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_AK_3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_HRRR.yaml
index 6d4dbc3b3..0d9ef81c4 100644
--- a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_AK_3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_HRRR.yaml
+++ b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_AK_3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_HRRR.yaml
@@ -15,7 +15,9 @@ workflow:
 task_get_extrn_ics:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_ICS: FV3GFS
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS: nemsio
 task_get_extrn_lbcs:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_LBCS: FV3GFS
   LBC_SPEC_INTVL_HRS: 3
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS: nemsio
diff --git a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_13km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16_plot.yaml b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_13km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16_plot.yaml
index 3ce114684..46e06b2f2 100644
--- a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_13km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16_plot.yaml
+++ b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_13km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16_plot.yaml
@@ -18,7 +18,9 @@ rocoto:
 task_get_extrn_ics:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_ICS: FV3GFS
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS: nemsio
 task_get_extrn_lbcs:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_LBCS: FV3GFS
   LBC_SPEC_INTVL_HRS: 3
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS: nemsio
diff --git a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_13km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_HRRR.yaml b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_13km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_HRRR.yaml
index c20617f78..3dbe8e2de 100644
--- a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_13km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_HRRR.yaml
+++ b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_13km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_HRRR.yaml
@@ -15,7 +15,9 @@ workflow:
 task_get_extrn_ics:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_ICS: FV3GFS
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS: nemsio
 task_get_extrn_lbcs:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_LBCS: FV3GFS
   LBC_SPEC_INTVL_HRS: 3
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS: nemsio
diff --git a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_13km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RAP.yaml b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_13km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RAP.yaml
index 748fa9546..7f67ff896 100644
--- a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_13km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RAP.yaml
+++ b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_13km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RAP.yaml
@@ -16,10 +16,12 @@ workflow:
 task_get_extrn_ics:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_ICS: FV3GFS
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS: nemsio
 task_get_extrn_lbcs:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_LBCS: FV3GFS
   LBC_SPEC_INTVL_HRS: 3
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS: nemsio
 global:
   DO_SHUM: true
   DO_SPPT: true
diff --git a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_13km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RRFS_v1beta.yaml b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_13km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RRFS_v1beta.yaml
index 5047e6854..577250fcd 100644
--- a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_13km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RRFS_v1beta.yaml
+++ b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_13km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RRFS_v1beta.yaml
@@ -15,7 +15,9 @@ workflow:
 task_get_extrn_ics:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_ICS: FV3GFS
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS: nemsio
 task_get_extrn_lbcs:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_LBCS: FV3GFS
   LBC_SPEC_INTVL_HRS: 3
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS: nemsio
diff --git a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_25km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v15p2.yaml b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_25km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v15p2.yaml
index 13e7e5f42..5b237a217 100644
--- a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_25km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v15p2.yaml
+++ b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_25km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v15p2.yaml
@@ -17,10 +17,12 @@ workflow:
 task_get_extrn_ics:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_ICS: FV3GFS
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS: nemsio
 task_get_extrn_lbcs:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_LBCS: FV3GFS
   LBC_SPEC_INTVL_HRS: 3
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS: nemsio
 task_run_fcst:
   WRITE_DOPOST: true
   ITASKS: 2
diff --git a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_25km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16_plot.yaml b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_25km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16_plot.yaml
index b44dd3eec..7dd1b71fa 100644
--- a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_25km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16_plot.yaml
+++ b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_25km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16_plot.yaml
@@ -18,7 +18,9 @@ rocoto:
 task_get_extrn_ics:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_ICS: FV3GFS
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS: nemsio
 task_get_extrn_lbcs:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_LBCS: FV3GFS
   LBC_SPEC_INTVL_HRS: 3
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS: nemsio
diff --git a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_25km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v17_p8_plot.yaml b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_25km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v17_p8_plot.yaml
index a6e7dd900..dc2812f28 100644
--- a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_25km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v17_p8_plot.yaml
+++ b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_25km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v17_p8_plot.yaml
@@ -19,10 +19,12 @@ rocoto:
 task_get_extrn_ics:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_ICS: FV3GFS
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS: nemsio
 task_get_extrn_lbcs:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_LBCS: FV3GFS
   LBC_SPEC_INTVL_HRS: 3
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS: nemsio
 task_run_fcst:
   DT_ATMOS: 180
   RESTART_INTERVAL: 1 2 5
diff --git a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_25km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_HRRR.yaml b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_25km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_HRRR.yaml
index a64083516..42fec23e7 100644
--- a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_25km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_HRRR.yaml
+++ b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_25km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_HRRR.yaml
@@ -23,9 +23,11 @@ rocoto:
 task_get_extrn_ics:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_ICS: FV3GFS
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS: nemsio
 task_get_extrn_lbcs:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_LBCS: FV3GFS
   LBC_SPEC_INTVL_HRS: 3
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS: nemsio
 task_run_fcst:
   QUILTING: false
diff --git a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_25km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RAP.yaml b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_25km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RAP.yaml
index 9248b8d7f..5afc05ab1 100644
--- a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_25km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RAP.yaml
+++ b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_25km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RAP.yaml
@@ -18,10 +18,12 @@ workflow:
 task_get_extrn_ics:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_ICS: FV3GFS
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS: nemsio
 task_get_extrn_lbcs:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_LBCS: FV3GFS
   LBC_SPEC_INTVL_HRS: 3
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS: nemsio
 global:
   DO_ENSEMBLE: true
   NUM_ENS_MEMBERS: 2
diff --git a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_25km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RRFS_v1beta.yaml b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_25km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RRFS_v1beta.yaml
index 0304ee956..4ba8f40c5 100644
--- a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_25km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RRFS_v1beta.yaml
+++ b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_25km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RRFS_v1beta.yaml
@@ -15,7 +15,9 @@ workflow:
 task_get_extrn_ics:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_ICS: FV3GFS
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS: nemsio
 task_get_extrn_lbcs:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_LBCS: FV3GFS
   LBC_SPEC_INTVL_HRS: 3
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS: nemsio
diff --git a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v15_thompson_mynn_lam3km.yaml b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v15_thompson_mynn_lam3km.yaml
index b1e237e0c..7d4cd5c2c 100644
--- a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v15_thompson_mynn_lam3km.yaml
+++ b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v15_thompson_mynn_lam3km.yaml
@@ -15,9 +15,11 @@ workflow:
 task_get_extrn_ics:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_ICS: FV3GFS
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS: nemsio
 task_get_extrn_lbcs:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_LBCS: FV3GFS
   LBC_SPEC_INTVL_HRS: 3
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS: nemsio
 task_run_fcst:
   USE_MERRA_CLIMO: true
diff --git a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v15p2.yaml b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v15p2.yaml
index 1df625c3e..bdb1ddce6 100644
--- a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v15p2.yaml
+++ b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v15p2.yaml
@@ -15,7 +15,9 @@ workflow:
 task_get_extrn_ics:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_ICS: FV3GFS
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS: nemsio
 task_get_extrn_lbcs:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_LBCS: FV3GFS
   LBC_SPEC_INTVL_HRS: 3
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS: nemsio
diff --git a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16.yaml b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16.yaml
index fb407ba86..4ad6d1685 100644
--- a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16.yaml
+++ b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16.yaml
@@ -15,7 +15,9 @@ workflow:
 task_get_extrn_ics:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_ICS: FV3GFS
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS: nemsio
 task_get_extrn_lbcs:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_LBCS: FV3GFS
   LBC_SPEC_INTVL_HRS: 3
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS: nemsio
diff --git a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_HRRR.yaml b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_HRRR.yaml
index 41305029f..a3a9d990d 100644
--- a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_HRRR.yaml
+++ b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_HRRR.yaml
@@ -15,7 +15,9 @@ workflow:
 task_get_extrn_ics:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_ICS: FV3GFS
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS: nemsio
 task_get_extrn_lbcs:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_LBCS: FV3GFS
   LBC_SPEC_INTVL_HRS: 3
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS: nemsio
diff --git a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RRFS_v1beta.yaml b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RRFS_v1beta.yaml
index 3ad76c7a5..4eb2f8d5d 100644
--- a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RRFS_v1beta.yaml
+++ b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUS_3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RRFS_v1beta.yaml
@@ -15,7 +15,9 @@ workflow:
 task_get_extrn_ics:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_ICS: FV3GFS
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS: nemsio
 task_get_extrn_lbcs:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_LBCS: FV3GFS
   LBC_SPEC_INTVL_HRS: 3
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS: nemsio
diff --git a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUScompact_13km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16.yaml b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUScompact_13km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16.yaml
index ca190522f..492ae38b8 100644
--- a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUScompact_13km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16.yaml
+++ b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUScompact_13km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16.yaml
@@ -15,7 +15,9 @@ workflow:
 task_get_extrn_ics:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_ICS: FV3GFS
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS: nemsio
 task_get_extrn_lbcs:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_LBCS: FV3GFS
   LBC_SPEC_INTVL_HRS: 3
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS: nemsio
diff --git a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUScompact_25km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16.yaml b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUScompact_25km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16.yaml
index f79f039f2..d86d7b0ea 100644
--- a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUScompact_25km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16.yaml
+++ b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUScompact_25km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16.yaml
@@ -15,7 +15,9 @@ workflow:
 task_get_extrn_ics:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_ICS: FV3GFS
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS: nemsio
 task_get_extrn_lbcs:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_LBCS: FV3GFS
   LBC_SPEC_INTVL_HRS: 3
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS: nemsio
diff --git a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUScompact_3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16.yaml b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUScompact_3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16.yaml
index c38ecec94..61cee8173 100644
--- a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUScompact_3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16.yaml
+++ b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_CONUScompact_3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_GFS_v16.yaml
@@ -15,7 +15,9 @@ workflow:
 task_get_extrn_ics:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_ICS: FV3GFS
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS: nemsio
 task_get_extrn_lbcs:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_LBCS: FV3GFS
   LBC_SPEC_INTVL_HRS: 3
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS: nemsio
diff --git a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_NA_13km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RAP.yaml b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_NA_13km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RAP.yaml
index 0a52ec4b3..315d75bb6 100644
--- a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_NA_13km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RAP.yaml
+++ b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_NA_13km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RAP.yaml
@@ -18,10 +18,12 @@ workflow:
 task_get_extrn_ics:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_ICS: FV3GFS
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS: nemsio
 task_get_extrn_lbcs:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_LBCS: FV3GFS
   LBC_SPEC_INTVL_HRS: 6
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS: nemsio
 task_make_ics:
   OMP_STACKSIZE_MAKE_ICS: 2048m
 task_run_fcst:
diff --git a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_NA_3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RRFS_v1beta.yaml b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_NA_3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RRFS_v1beta.yaml
index ee06009ca..a704bc581 100644
--- a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_NA_3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RRFS_v1beta.yaml
+++ b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/grids_extrn_mdls_suites_community/config.grid_RRFS_NA_3km_ics_FV3GFS_lbcs_FV3GFS_suite_RRFS_v1beta.yaml
@@ -20,10 +20,12 @@ task_make_orog:
 task_get_extrn_ics:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_ICS: FV3GFS
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS: nemsio
 task_get_extrn_lbcs:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_LBCS: FV3GFS
   LBC_SPEC_INTVL_HRS: 3
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS: nemsio
 task_make_ics:
   OMP_STACKSIZE_MAKE_ICS: 2048m
 task_run_fcst:
diff --git a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/wflow_features/config.different_vcoord.yaml b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/wflow_features/config.different_vcoord.yaml
index 16f2d10e7..61137991b 100644
--- a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/wflow_features/config.different_vcoord.yaml
+++ b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/wflow_features/config.different_vcoord.yaml
@@ -14,10 +14,12 @@ workflow:
 task_get_extrn_ics:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_ICS: FV3GFS
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS: nemsio
 task_get_extrn_lbcs:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_LBCS: FV3GFS
   LBC_SPEC_INTVL_HRS: 3
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS: nemsio
 task_make_ics:
   VCOORD_FILE: "{{ user.PARMdir }}/global_hyblev_fcst_rrfsL65.txt"
 task_make_lbcs:
diff --git a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/wflow_features/config.pregen_grid_orog_sfc_climo.yaml b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/wflow_features/config.pregen_grid_orog_sfc_climo.yaml
index e3e6a794e..bc421d8cf 100644
--- a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/wflow_features/config.pregen_grid_orog_sfc_climo.yaml
+++ b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/wflow_features/config.pregen_grid_orog_sfc_climo.yaml
@@ -14,10 +14,12 @@ workflow:
 task_get_extrn_ics:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_ICS: FV3GFS
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS: nemsio
 task_get_extrn_lbcs:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_LBCS: FV3GFS
   LBC_SPEC_INTVL_HRS: 3
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS: nemsio
 rocoto:
   tasks:
     task_make_grid:
diff --git a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/wflow_features/config.specify_template_filenames.yaml b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/wflow_features/config.specify_template_filenames.yaml
index 996ea2e7d..1b08d49dd 100644
--- a/tests/WE2E/test_configs/wflow_features/config.specify_template_filenames.yaml
+++ b/tests/WE2E/test_configs/wflow_features/config.specify_template_filenames.yaml
@@ -19,7 +19,9 @@ workflow:
 task_get_extrn_ics:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_ICS: FV3GFS
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS: nemsio
 task_get_extrn_lbcs:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_LBCS: FV3GFS
   LBC_SPEC_INTVL_HRS: 3
   USE_USER_STAGED_EXTRN_FILES: true
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS: nemsio
diff --git a/ush/config_defaults.yaml b/ush/config_defaults.yaml
index b8cb599e8..b66cf2894 100644
--- a/ush/config_defaults.yaml
+++ b/ush/config_defaults.yaml
@@ -1403,7 +1403,7 @@ task_get_extrn_ics:
   #
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_ICS: "FV3GFS"
   EXTRN_MDL_ICS_OFFSET_HRS: 0
-  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS: "nemsio"
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_ICS: "netcdf"
   #
   #-----------------------------------------------------------------------
   #
@@ -1508,7 +1508,7 @@ task_get_extrn_lbcs:
   EXTRN_MDL_NAME_LBCS: "FV3GFS"
   LBC_SPEC_INTVL_HRS: 6
   EXTRN_MDL_LBCS_OFFSET_HRS: '{{ 3 if EXTRN_MDL_NAME_LBCS == "RAP" else 0 }}'
-  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS: "nemsio"
+  FV3GFS_FILE_FMT_LBCS: "netcdf"
   #
   #-----------------------------------------------------------------------
   #