By Megan Brown, Navy Office of Community Outreach
MILLINGTON, Tenn. - A Belton, Missouri, native and 2016 Belton High School graduate is serving at Joint Typhoon Warning Center in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Dylan Howard serves as an aerographer's mate responsible for being a metrological forecaster.
"We provide maritime, aviation and intelligence reconnaissance forecasts to aid in mission planning," said Howard. "In addition to forecasting, I work as a geophysical technician in support of the tropical cyclone mission warning on and tracking more than 70% of the world's tropical cyclones."
"I am also able to guide, mentor and train our junior sailors," added Howard. "Guiding and molding them into becoming future leaders in the world's finest Navy."
Howard joined the Navy five years ago.
Naval Oceanography encompasses a wide range of missions crucial to supporting today's Naval fleet. They include oceanography, hydrography, meteorology, climate science, geospatial information science, astrometry, Earth orientation and precise time.
Whether operating in the air, at sea or underwater, Navy equipment, people and decision-making all rely on the technical and tactical advice of Navy Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) Officers.
The Naval Meteorology and Oceanography directs and oversees more than 2,500 globally-distributed military and civilian personnel who collect, process and exploit environmental information to assist Fleet and Joint Commanders in all warfare areas to make better decisions faster than the adversary.
Though there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers, Howard is most proud of becoming information warfare qualified.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Howard, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.