STENNIS, Ms. – Most Americans rely on weather forecasts to plan their daily routine. The U.S. Navy is no different. With numerous ships, submarines and airplanes deployed around the world, sailors and civilians serving with the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command at Stennis Space Center, Mississippi, advise Navy leaders about the impact of ocean and atmospheric conditions on future operations.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Heidi Cheek |
Evan Dillon, a resident of Bogalusa, Louisiana, is one of those responsible for providing timely, comprehensive and tactically relevant information for ships, submarines, aircraft and other commands operating throughout the globe.
As a Navy physical scientist geologist, Dillon is responsible for processing geotechnical and engineering properties of seafloor sediments.
Dillon admires many of the values he experienced living in Bogalusa.
“In Bogalusa, I learned the importance of being involved in the community and developing lifelong friendships,” said Dillon. "It's important to know the goal of your work and its big picture."
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“Naval Oceanography defines and applies the physical environment for the entire Navy fleet from the bottom of the ocean to the stars,” said Rear Adm. John Okon, Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. “There isn't a plane that flies, a ship or a submarine that gets underway without the sailors and civilians of Naval Oceanography.”
Dillon is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for civilians to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Dillon is most proud of his Civilian of the Year nomination in 2016.
“I created a sediment map for an entire ocean using literature to learn about the geology of the area,” said Dillon. "I did this in addition to my normal duties."
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Dillon and other members know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
"I know I'm making an impact because the data I deliver maintains safety at sea,” added Dillon.
As a Navy physical scientist geologist, Dillon is responsible for processing geotechnical and engineering properties of seafloor sediments.
Dillon admires many of the values he experienced living in Bogalusa.
“In Bogalusa, I learned the importance of being involved in the community and developing lifelong friendships,” said Dillon. "It's important to know the goal of your work and its big picture."
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“Naval Oceanography defines and applies the physical environment for the entire Navy fleet from the bottom of the ocean to the stars,” said Rear Adm. John Okon, Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. “There isn't a plane that flies, a ship or a submarine that gets underway without the sailors and civilians of Naval Oceanography.”
Dillon is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for civilians to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Dillon is most proud of his Civilian of the Year nomination in 2016.
“I created a sediment map for an entire ocean using literature to learn about the geology of the area,” said Dillon. "I did this in addition to my normal duties."
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Dillon and other members know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
"I know I'm making an impact because the data I deliver maintains safety at sea,” added Dillon.